Senseless killing
December 26, 2015
Late on Saturday afternoon, I drove into Inverloch, but stopped in horror at the end of my street, Pearsalls Road. Strewn over both sides of the road were slaughtered young wild ducks; twelve in all. Was it a ‘thrill kill’, a kill by someone who hates ducks, or had they been killed to eat? I doubt the latter, as there would not have been much meat on the birds. Perhaps the ducks were discarded because the killers were worried about being caught. Perhaps they just had no further use for them. The duck season, this year, was from 21st March until 8th June, so this kill is way outside the season. I find it difficult to understand why anyone would want to kill ducks at any time, although I know that many people enjoy doing this. What is completely incomprehensible to me, and I assume, to many licensed duck hunters who stick to the rules, is this completely senseless carnage.
Bron Dahlstrom, Inverloch
Breakthrough in search for arsonist
December 27, 2015
Thank you for that piece of news, Catherine. Hope they can get it sorted and make a charge/s stick and take this person/s our of the public community for quite a while . I think we have had enough excitement and stress to last a while esp up in your area of the town.
Rosemary Loughnan, Wonthaggi
It is no surprise that finally the police have such a strong lead for tracking down
this sadly sick person who has been lighting fires around the Reed Crs area.
They seem to be a very vigilant lot with a strong neighbour hood watch ethos over
that way.
Thank you Catherine for another on the spot news flash. Do you ever rest?
Bob Middleton, Jeetho West
Thanks, mate
January 12, 2016
Tuesday January 5 around 2.30pm my partner Leslie received an SMS alert about a fire in another street in Wattle Bank. Looking out our kitchen window we spotted some smoke coming from a paddock a few farms up from us. A friend driving along Lynnes Rd saw the smoke at the same time we did. He drove up to our house in his ute "just in case". As the firies arrived at the fire, friends in Kongwak spotted it on the CFA app and rang us to offer assistance if required.
Within an hour the fire was out and the CFA teams were off to another call. We didn't ring the CFA, not sure who reported the fire. Everything just worked really well; it's a very effective system administered by a great organisation. Very reassuring to see them in action first hand and to know that well-informed friends and neighbours have our backs.
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
December 29, 2015
I am so glad you and yours are safe, Catherine. It was a shock to see your warning on line. Your descriptions are so shocking and bring it home again how dangerous fire can be to us and our environment, living in the regions.
Though a long time ago, every time there is a high fire danger day with hot north winds I am acutely reminded what it is like to be the minister responsible for fire on public land in Victoria. Those summers and the dangers from fire while I was Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands in the early `90s will never really leave me. There is a certain feeling we are all aware of in the air. Victoria was lucky during that time as there were few fires and no lives and houses lost during my time. I met many wonderful competent people in the CFA, people giving up their time to come together and learn and apply those skills to keeping others safe.
The department management and staff were also highly skilled and trained to fight fires on public land in our national parks and reserves.
I want to pay tribute to the guts CFA and Department people show in fighting fires. They must primarily consider their own safety, but they make judgements that leads to very brave deeds. Thank you, fireys all over Victoria for your commitment, courage and skills.
Kay Setches, Surf Beach
Kay Setches was Minister for Conservation, Forests and Land in the Cain/Kirner Labor Government from 1988-90.
December 23, 2015
Your Saturday, 19 December Emergency Warning announcement and your follow-up article on the bushfire in the Tank Hill Conservation Reserve made riveting and emotional reading. It even made readers not directly affected by the alert put themselves in the shoes of those who were advised to evacuate and realize how ready or unready they were to do so.
You are a remarkable lady to have written up your story immediately after your own drama with the bushfire. Yes, members of the CFA are among our most valued community workers. They are worthy of all accolades sent in their direction. As you found from personal experience what a great lot of people they are.
So glad Wonthaggi escaped the tragic losses other areas suffered. Thank you again to our CFA guys who contributed to the saving of lives and properties on this occasion and countless occasions before.
Meryl Tobin, Grantville
December 22, 2015
On Saturday we were in the line of fire, so to speak. As a very nearby resident, we felt the terrible fear of the fire so close by. The first we knew about it was when we heard the sirens coming ever closer finally spotting some smoke and our worst fears were realised.
We were just so lucky that the wind had turned by the time the fire got worse and had blown the fire in another direction, and that the wind did not turn back on us until the fire was controlled.
It is at times like these that we realise that we should ALL have a fire plan, no matter how unlikely it may seem, bad things do happen, as we discovered on Saturday afternoon. We can only be grateful for the efforts of the wonderful CFA, who were right on the ball with this one and thanks to their quick and sustained action, this fire was controlled relatively quickly.
There were two major problems that were highlighted by this fire.
1. We got no notifications for quite a long time after the fire had started and that was only via the Fire Ready App on our phones. I understand that messages were sent to nearby residents, but only to those who are connected to the Wonthaggi mobile tower. This is a very bad mistake as people in our vicinity (the fire area) rarely get reception from the Wonthaggi tower, due to the hill in between. All our personal mobile phone calls and messages are relayed via the Cape Paterson mobile tower when we are at home as we have no reception at all from the Wonthaggi tower at our home. This problem is something that was made known to the authorities at the community meeting on Saturday night, but perhaps some wider understanding of that would make us safer at another time if messages are required on this side of town.
2. Our street was not blocked off by the authorities during the fire danger and therefore every man and his dog came driving down the road, hopping out of the cars and walking along to see if they could see the fire. This meant that at times, we would have been unable to escape due to the amount of traffic that was coming down or parking to have a sticky beak. One man actually parked in the middle of the road (well it is a dead end…..right!) and took his kids out of the car and left the car in the road and walked off. At that time we would have had no way to escape had it come to that point.
Whilst the fire did not actually burn a large area, it still had the potential to become so much bigger and more dangerous to life and property, with 43 degree temperature, strong winds and plenty of very dry fuel in the surrounding areas.
I cannot praise the CFA enough for their quick and wonderful response. The firefighters, the support staff, the helicopter and plane pilots and crew did a magnificent job and the outcome could have been so much worse. They threw everything they had at it and I think we can call it a victory.
Our thanks seem inadequate for the hard, dirty, uncomfortable and dangerous work that the CFA do, but our thanks are given from the bottom of our hearts.
Coral Jones, Wonthaggi
Thank you for taking the time to tell us your heartfelt story and how it in itself tells a bigger story. This is one of everyday people committing a part of their own lives to protect others. The hottest, worst days to even be outside are the days fire brigade volunteers don heavy protective clothing and gear and get to work.
As it happened my own family of 7 siblings, partners and children (27 in all plus 2 dogs) had gathered on Saturday at lunchtime in Cape Paterson, for the annual McLoughlin family get together.
One sister and family had been through the Black Saturday fires, had survived and their house had been saved, but had been quite traumatised by what might have happened. So when the advice from ABC radio came through that Cape Paterson was at risk and evacuation was recommended, their reaction mirrored their feelings after the Black Saturday that they would not stay next time to defend their place. It was about primarily preserving life.
So we packed the eskies with the food for 27 people , paper plates in case we had a chance to eat, presents for all the younger family members and the two dogs, and headed as advised to Inverloch.
All ended well, we were not impacted by the fire and around 3pm sat on steps, stools and chairs in Kilcunda to enjoy 2016 Xmas dinner. The pudding celebration was a casuality, put in the fridge at the last minute before we left the Cape, it remains on hold till the next gathering of the McLoughlin clan.
A number of close family members have been volunteers and permanent officers in the fire service. They never seem to consider the personal hardship the job entails, the focus is always on their job, to protect the rest of us when we really need their help.
Mary Whelan, Cowes
December 20, 2015
I am so glad to read that you and your haven survived such a frightening day. It must have been a nightmare when the wind changed and you became part of the story. You capture all the emotions and moments of any given issue and so brave of you to keep it going in such a stressful time.
I hope the change comes very soon today and you are able to relax on the deck with your cat and a chilled glass of wine.
Lisa Schonberg
I know how frightening fires are, I have been through two major ones when I lived in the Dandenongs. I am sure Lieutenant Phil Ruby’s reassurance would have been very comforting. Take care.
Jan Fleming
Just thanks. I was able to forward your story to family and friends who had called me in the thick of it yesterday to see if all was well. Grateful to the fire crews and to your Post updates. So glad you're safe.
Linda Gordon, Wonthaggi
December 19, 2015
I would like to sincerely thank you, both for the tribute you have paid to the local fireys, and for your selflessness in taking the time to send a warning message to Bass Coast Post readers. I think we are so often too bound up in our own immediate disasters to realise that we do, in fact, have time to warn others - and maybe to save homes, or even lives. It is that call, that text, that email reaching out across the smoke, the floodwaters or the darkness, making contact, forming community.
Jane Westworth
The fire affected us in that my sister and brother in law as well as friends and all the other people, their houses and animals and their houses and trees were threatened.
The first I heard of it was when an email appeared on my screen from Catherine; the BCP. I immediately rang several people in the area under threat, some of them knew of the threat and some did not. I insisted that they must leave ten minutes ago.
I had not realised that Catherine and her house was under threat. I join Catherine in giving gratitude to the generous people who give their time and energy to save others' life and property out of the goodness of their hearts.
We smelled the smoke up in the Glen Forbes hills. I know I shouldn't, but I did feel more urgency more anguish when the fire affected my friends, my neighbourhood rather
than a distant place.
You are always welcome to come to our home, Catherine, if threatened by a fire ever again and you decide not to stay.
Felicia Di Stefano
Glad you’re ok. Is the cat back?
Jordan Crugnale
Thanks goodness for the 'fireys'! Tust you and the house are now safe.
Sue Packham
Great reflection on your far to close experience this arvo! Glad to hear you and yours are safe.
Clare Riddoch
Phew!!!
Tim Shannon
Catherine, thank you for your generous and poignant piece about the threat form today's fire. You've shown our fire-ees in a true light for their business-like hard work and determination that makes them all our heroes ... Thanks to each and every one of them for putting themselves on the line for us. Best of the season, peace health and happiness to all.
karenVsandon
We hope all will be OK for you and everyone else in the fire area. Yes the fireysare a special breed of volunteers we should all be thankful for.
Stay safe!
One of your many Bass Coast Post readers.
PS Thorley
I'm so glad you are all safe, very distressing for you all. Great work from our CFA members.
Clare Le Serve
They are Heroes. Scary stuff! Keep safe.
Ursula Theinert
A beautiful thank you Catherine. So glad your home is ok. And in between all this, you still managed to send out a post warning your readers. So thank you!
Kimberlie Brown
Hear hear! Reminds me of (half of) that Orwellian quote about the army: "We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night....."
Hope you and Charlie are better than "OK".
Geoff Ellis
Fantastic article written from the heart and so much emotion … absolutely incredible. The CFA volunteers who give so freely of their time not only fighting but attending hours of training to equip them for their volunteer role, are absolutely amazing. A lot of people work within their community working tirelessly but the CFA volunteers take so many risks.
Joy Button
Thank you for your calm reassurance and for saving Catherine's place too.
Heather Gardner
What a harrowing day for u Catherine. I hope u can breathe easier today. Bravo 4 your strong heartfelt piece.
Lee
December 26, 2015
Late on Saturday afternoon, I drove into Inverloch, but stopped in horror at the end of my street, Pearsalls Road. Strewn over both sides of the road were slaughtered young wild ducks; twelve in all. Was it a ‘thrill kill’, a kill by someone who hates ducks, or had they been killed to eat? I doubt the latter, as there would not have been much meat on the birds. Perhaps the ducks were discarded because the killers were worried about being caught. Perhaps they just had no further use for them. The duck season, this year, was from 21st March until 8th June, so this kill is way outside the season. I find it difficult to understand why anyone would want to kill ducks at any time, although I know that many people enjoy doing this. What is completely incomprehensible to me, and I assume, to many licensed duck hunters who stick to the rules, is this completely senseless carnage.
Bron Dahlstrom, Inverloch
Breakthrough in search for arsonist
December 27, 2015
Thank you for that piece of news, Catherine. Hope they can get it sorted and make a charge/s stick and take this person/s our of the public community for quite a while . I think we have had enough excitement and stress to last a while esp up in your area of the town.
Rosemary Loughnan, Wonthaggi
It is no surprise that finally the police have such a strong lead for tracking down
this sadly sick person who has been lighting fires around the Reed Crs area.
They seem to be a very vigilant lot with a strong neighbour hood watch ethos over
that way.
Thank you Catherine for another on the spot news flash. Do you ever rest?
Bob Middleton, Jeetho West
Thanks, mate
January 12, 2016
Tuesday January 5 around 2.30pm my partner Leslie received an SMS alert about a fire in another street in Wattle Bank. Looking out our kitchen window we spotted some smoke coming from a paddock a few farms up from us. A friend driving along Lynnes Rd saw the smoke at the same time we did. He drove up to our house in his ute "just in case". As the firies arrived at the fire, friends in Kongwak spotted it on the CFA app and rang us to offer assistance if required.
Within an hour the fire was out and the CFA teams were off to another call. We didn't ring the CFA, not sure who reported the fire. Everything just worked really well; it's a very effective system administered by a great organisation. Very reassuring to see them in action first hand and to know that well-informed friends and neighbours have our backs.
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
December 29, 2015
I am so glad you and yours are safe, Catherine. It was a shock to see your warning on line. Your descriptions are so shocking and bring it home again how dangerous fire can be to us and our environment, living in the regions.
Though a long time ago, every time there is a high fire danger day with hot north winds I am acutely reminded what it is like to be the minister responsible for fire on public land in Victoria. Those summers and the dangers from fire while I was Minister for Conservation Forests and Lands in the early `90s will never really leave me. There is a certain feeling we are all aware of in the air. Victoria was lucky during that time as there were few fires and no lives and houses lost during my time. I met many wonderful competent people in the CFA, people giving up their time to come together and learn and apply those skills to keeping others safe.
The department management and staff were also highly skilled and trained to fight fires on public land in our national parks and reserves.
I want to pay tribute to the guts CFA and Department people show in fighting fires. They must primarily consider their own safety, but they make judgements that leads to very brave deeds. Thank you, fireys all over Victoria for your commitment, courage and skills.
Kay Setches, Surf Beach
Kay Setches was Minister for Conservation, Forests and Land in the Cain/Kirner Labor Government from 1988-90.
December 23, 2015
Your Saturday, 19 December Emergency Warning announcement and your follow-up article on the bushfire in the Tank Hill Conservation Reserve made riveting and emotional reading. It even made readers not directly affected by the alert put themselves in the shoes of those who were advised to evacuate and realize how ready or unready they were to do so.
You are a remarkable lady to have written up your story immediately after your own drama with the bushfire. Yes, members of the CFA are among our most valued community workers. They are worthy of all accolades sent in their direction. As you found from personal experience what a great lot of people they are.
So glad Wonthaggi escaped the tragic losses other areas suffered. Thank you again to our CFA guys who contributed to the saving of lives and properties on this occasion and countless occasions before.
Meryl Tobin, Grantville
December 22, 2015
On Saturday we were in the line of fire, so to speak. As a very nearby resident, we felt the terrible fear of the fire so close by. The first we knew about it was when we heard the sirens coming ever closer finally spotting some smoke and our worst fears were realised.
We were just so lucky that the wind had turned by the time the fire got worse and had blown the fire in another direction, and that the wind did not turn back on us until the fire was controlled.
It is at times like these that we realise that we should ALL have a fire plan, no matter how unlikely it may seem, bad things do happen, as we discovered on Saturday afternoon. We can only be grateful for the efforts of the wonderful CFA, who were right on the ball with this one and thanks to their quick and sustained action, this fire was controlled relatively quickly.
There were two major problems that were highlighted by this fire.
1. We got no notifications for quite a long time after the fire had started and that was only via the Fire Ready App on our phones. I understand that messages were sent to nearby residents, but only to those who are connected to the Wonthaggi mobile tower. This is a very bad mistake as people in our vicinity (the fire area) rarely get reception from the Wonthaggi tower, due to the hill in between. All our personal mobile phone calls and messages are relayed via the Cape Paterson mobile tower when we are at home as we have no reception at all from the Wonthaggi tower at our home. This problem is something that was made known to the authorities at the community meeting on Saturday night, but perhaps some wider understanding of that would make us safer at another time if messages are required on this side of town.
2. Our street was not blocked off by the authorities during the fire danger and therefore every man and his dog came driving down the road, hopping out of the cars and walking along to see if they could see the fire. This meant that at times, we would have been unable to escape due to the amount of traffic that was coming down or parking to have a sticky beak. One man actually parked in the middle of the road (well it is a dead end…..right!) and took his kids out of the car and left the car in the road and walked off. At that time we would have had no way to escape had it come to that point.
Whilst the fire did not actually burn a large area, it still had the potential to become so much bigger and more dangerous to life and property, with 43 degree temperature, strong winds and plenty of very dry fuel in the surrounding areas.
I cannot praise the CFA enough for their quick and wonderful response. The firefighters, the support staff, the helicopter and plane pilots and crew did a magnificent job and the outcome could have been so much worse. They threw everything they had at it and I think we can call it a victory.
Our thanks seem inadequate for the hard, dirty, uncomfortable and dangerous work that the CFA do, but our thanks are given from the bottom of our hearts.
Coral Jones, Wonthaggi
Thank you for taking the time to tell us your heartfelt story and how it in itself tells a bigger story. This is one of everyday people committing a part of their own lives to protect others. The hottest, worst days to even be outside are the days fire brigade volunteers don heavy protective clothing and gear and get to work.
As it happened my own family of 7 siblings, partners and children (27 in all plus 2 dogs) had gathered on Saturday at lunchtime in Cape Paterson, for the annual McLoughlin family get together.
One sister and family had been through the Black Saturday fires, had survived and their house had been saved, but had been quite traumatised by what might have happened. So when the advice from ABC radio came through that Cape Paterson was at risk and evacuation was recommended, their reaction mirrored their feelings after the Black Saturday that they would not stay next time to defend their place. It was about primarily preserving life.
So we packed the eskies with the food for 27 people , paper plates in case we had a chance to eat, presents for all the younger family members and the two dogs, and headed as advised to Inverloch.
All ended well, we were not impacted by the fire and around 3pm sat on steps, stools and chairs in Kilcunda to enjoy 2016 Xmas dinner. The pudding celebration was a casuality, put in the fridge at the last minute before we left the Cape, it remains on hold till the next gathering of the McLoughlin clan.
A number of close family members have been volunteers and permanent officers in the fire service. They never seem to consider the personal hardship the job entails, the focus is always on their job, to protect the rest of us when we really need their help.
Mary Whelan, Cowes
December 20, 2015
I am so glad to read that you and your haven survived such a frightening day. It must have been a nightmare when the wind changed and you became part of the story. You capture all the emotions and moments of any given issue and so brave of you to keep it going in such a stressful time.
I hope the change comes very soon today and you are able to relax on the deck with your cat and a chilled glass of wine.
Lisa Schonberg
I know how frightening fires are, I have been through two major ones when I lived in the Dandenongs. I am sure Lieutenant Phil Ruby’s reassurance would have been very comforting. Take care.
Jan Fleming
Just thanks. I was able to forward your story to family and friends who had called me in the thick of it yesterday to see if all was well. Grateful to the fire crews and to your Post updates. So glad you're safe.
Linda Gordon, Wonthaggi
December 19, 2015
I would like to sincerely thank you, both for the tribute you have paid to the local fireys, and for your selflessness in taking the time to send a warning message to Bass Coast Post readers. I think we are so often too bound up in our own immediate disasters to realise that we do, in fact, have time to warn others - and maybe to save homes, or even lives. It is that call, that text, that email reaching out across the smoke, the floodwaters or the darkness, making contact, forming community.
Jane Westworth
The fire affected us in that my sister and brother in law as well as friends and all the other people, their houses and animals and their houses and trees were threatened.
The first I heard of it was when an email appeared on my screen from Catherine; the BCP. I immediately rang several people in the area under threat, some of them knew of the threat and some did not. I insisted that they must leave ten minutes ago.
I had not realised that Catherine and her house was under threat. I join Catherine in giving gratitude to the generous people who give their time and energy to save others' life and property out of the goodness of their hearts.
We smelled the smoke up in the Glen Forbes hills. I know I shouldn't, but I did feel more urgency more anguish when the fire affected my friends, my neighbourhood rather
than a distant place.
You are always welcome to come to our home, Catherine, if threatened by a fire ever again and you decide not to stay.
Felicia Di Stefano
Glad you’re ok. Is the cat back?
Jordan Crugnale
Thanks goodness for the 'fireys'! Tust you and the house are now safe.
Sue Packham
Great reflection on your far to close experience this arvo! Glad to hear you and yours are safe.
Clare Riddoch
Phew!!!
Tim Shannon
Catherine, thank you for your generous and poignant piece about the threat form today's fire. You've shown our fire-ees in a true light for their business-like hard work and determination that makes them all our heroes ... Thanks to each and every one of them for putting themselves on the line for us. Best of the season, peace health and happiness to all.
karenVsandon
We hope all will be OK for you and everyone else in the fire area. Yes the fireysare a special breed of volunteers we should all be thankful for.
Stay safe!
One of your many Bass Coast Post readers.
PS Thorley
I'm so glad you are all safe, very distressing for you all. Great work from our CFA members.
Clare Le Serve
They are Heroes. Scary stuff! Keep safe.
Ursula Theinert
A beautiful thank you Catherine. So glad your home is ok. And in between all this, you still managed to send out a post warning your readers. So thank you!
Kimberlie Brown
Hear hear! Reminds me of (half of) that Orwellian quote about the army: "We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night....."
Hope you and Charlie are better than "OK".
Geoff Ellis
Fantastic article written from the heart and so much emotion … absolutely incredible. The CFA volunteers who give so freely of their time not only fighting but attending hours of training to equip them for their volunteer role, are absolutely amazing. A lot of people work within their community working tirelessly but the CFA volunteers take so many risks.
Joy Button
Thank you for your calm reassurance and for saving Catherine's place too.
Heather Gardner
What a harrowing day for u Catherine. I hope u can breathe easier today. Bravo 4 your strong heartfelt piece.
Lee
When worlds collide
October 25, 2015
It is amazing that the "imaginary bass coast whales" could suddenly become so numerous. This year's sightings are not a record - in 2010 during the first year of our winter whale watch, there were over 200 sightings between May and late July. Then the desal tunnel boring machines started up and they suddenly disappeared. We are soon to meet with the shire, etc, to set up a series of interpretive signs along the coast part of the national whale trail initiative. Finally our finned friends are getting the recognition they deserve.
Mark Robertson, Wonthaggi
A few home truths
November 3, 2015
Loved your story Geoff! Keep up the good work!
Nicole Kellow
October 25, 2015
What a great article by Tim Shannon! It says so much about ourselves and our environment. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Jellie Wyckelsma
Old habits die hard
October 22, 2015
Hurry back to circle dancing - it's lonely without you. Stick at it.
Daryl Hook
October 18, 2015
Oh Geoff - you are so brave! I wish you strong determination, only occasional lapses and no giving up. I too feel the age of diabetes upon me, so we are using the 5 - 2 intermittent diet to reduce the body fat - the main aim to achieving a healthier body. We seem to use up less body fuel now whilst inhaling a lot more - hence the fat buildup. So I think your exercise and gardening and non-replenishment of favourite foods is probably just what the doc ordered - you may just get a smile next checkup. Not having the dangerous stuff in the house makes it easier.
When you're ready we'll add to your treadmill dance some soothing 'circle dancing' - a tonic for relaxing into ancient movements and music. We miss you.
Sue Packham, Woolamai
The great space race
October 18, 2015
The great space race brought back long gone memories. Tramming down to
St Kilda to the Victory Theatre with the sisters and sometimes playmate
Donny Williams to catch up with Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers and the Green
Hornet. Boy, those were the days!
I have vivid memories still of James Cagney in The Oklahoma Kid. The first
westener I had seen where the hero had only one gun and rode a nondescript
brown horse. Then there was Killer McCoy with Mickey Rooney, a rough, tough
boxing movie that blossomed into my ritual of listening to Friday night broadcasts
from the West Melbourne Stadium with Eric Welsh.
Big sister Jo always gave me her 2 shillings pocket money and insisted I help
her on and off the tram, paid for her tram and movie tickets and dixie ice cream
(with her money) and walk with her arm in arm. Of course she was grooming
me in the art of picking up and impressing girls. It worked in latter years now
and then.
Bob Middleton, Jeetho West
The holiday isle
October 12, 2015
Councillor Phil Wright should be commended for his vision and tourism strategy. A linking, shared [ walking/bicycle] path ,through wildlife corridors and along the coast is a wonderful way to preserve and showcase our island, keeping people fit and relaxed and taking much traffic off the road.
The regular ,free buses linking tourism spots is a winner of an idea too. In Whistler, Canada, there are hundreds of kilometres of linking walking/cycling tracks which are highly utilised. It is so wonderful to see so many happy, healthy families using these and building their community relationships at the same time.
In the US ,some of the very busy national parks don’t allow cars at all. They have free buses circulating the park and dropping tourists at various points of interest or at walking track points. This has all obviously been proven to be successful.
In Northern Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and other places in Europe these shared pathways and public bus transport alleviate the horrendous traffic.
I think this strategy would be perfect for Phillip Island allowing growth of our tourism industry and protection of our natural assets from damage.
We also need to keep high-density development away from our natural assets and closer to town boundaries.
Vicki Breen
Have wings will travel
October 12, 2015
An interesting observation by Nola Thorpe. Who would have thought that Ibis and Ravens were once thin on the ground (and in the air) in Bass Coast country not so long ago.
We lived on our Jeetho West block for a good five years before I saw the first house sparrow. Now the word has got out that we have chooks they are no longer visitors but residents. A friend from Fremantle stayed with us not so long ago and had never seen a sparrow before. She could not have been more delighted than if she had spotted a orange-bellied parrot.
Speaking of which, we had our first king parrot last week taking our backyard species tally to 53. No doubt someone as observant as Nola would have identified many more.
Bob Middleton, Jeetho West
The old lady of the sea
September 30, 2015
Linda’s great article really hit the "navigation” mark with me. I too have walked up to the top of Woolamai, admired the sensational views and “experienced” the wildlife (a sunning black snake in June?! I’m scared witless of them).
So it’s great that others may be encouraged to do likewise. Though a word of warning. Once we get into the warmer months, I’m told snakes can be a real problem up there. That’s why I went in winter.
Linda’s evocative descriptions from the land can only be matched by the view from the sea. Though a “creaky old back” has largely eliminated my ability to “get out into the Strait” to chase a feed of the big flatties that inhabit the 30-plus metres depth out there, during the countless times I was able to do so, I never tired of the Cape’s magnificent seaward side scenery. Coming back with a feed was a bonus.
Linda describes “Gull Island” very well. It’s basically just a small rock outcrop about 30 metres off shore. Anyone I take out there for the first time is informed that they should return home and tell everyone they “circumnavigated Gull Island”. Well, it sounds impressive. The waters around Gull are also notable for crystal clarity and a clean sandy bottom.
A bit further back from Gull Island there lie a couple of caves in the cliff face. Big enough to get an average size fishing boat in, but I’ve never had the courage to try. Three young generations of my family, including me, have been told it was a “pirates cave”.
Hopefully, in the future when someone does take that lovely walk, the view to the northwest will not be dominated, and therefore spoilt, by container cranes operating the Port at Hastings, not to mention the 60,000-tonners anchored off Rhyll.
Kevin Chambers, The Gurdies
The scars of war
September 30, 2015
Well researched and well written - a story told with palpable humanity and empathy. The stories of the POW’s echo similar responses and reactions now reaching down 2-3 generations since Changi and WW2.
Fran Carroll
Crewzers on a mission
September 22, 2015
Thanks to Liane Arno for a most informant article. It's wonderful to hear of people committed to making a difference by supporting those in a heap of bother. I'll be going to the event mentioned - on October 15th.
Good luck to the Crewzers!
Sue Packham, Woolamai
A little upside down
September 22, 2015
A most excellent article by John Coldebella about the consciousness of our footballers compared to our politicians. I have only met him once. It was at the refugee play Stormy Waters, held in the Uniting Church in Foster in which he wrote and performed some beautiful songs. Good on you John. You are a man of intelligence, with real insight and compassion.
John Laurie, Foster North.
John Coldebella makes a valid point about our elected representatives.
I wonder if their behaviour reflects the change in us, as a society, or is it a response to the way Politics is reported? Ray Hadley and Scott Morrison were only able to aspire to a new low point because people were listening to the broadcast.
I believe that a compelling argument could be put that Australia's last true Statesman was Doc Evatt who, after being a a High Court Judge, was President of the United Nations General Assembly from 1948 to 1949, helped draft the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and was the first Chairman of the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission. This was before he returned to Australia to lead the ALP.
Those credentials far eclipse Sir Robert Menzies' highest international appointment as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a post he took over from Winston Churchill in 1966. He was succeeded by the Queen Mother in 1978.
The scarcity of statespersons is cause for concern. Much as Betty Windsor's mum had to give up lording it over those five ports her Highness and her/our Governor General will not be Australia's head of state for ever. Who among the current crop of leaders is qualified to lead us in the direction we need to go?
One day there will be a Republic of Australia. With a president. Who would we vote for?
Right now, it's hard to think of someone who could campaign for the role on merit. Or be appointed by Parliament without polarising the nation.
Unless we can develop a presidential C3PO, programmed to obey the constitution within universal ethical standards, we are doomed to be ruled by politicians.
Or maybe we could clone a president. Is there any Evatt DNA left in Australian politics?
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
I do not know much about the current footballers but enjoyed John Coldebella’s article and leaves no doubt that the footballers are far more honourable than some of our current politicians in Federal and State Governments. Another fascinating article John.
Joy Button, Coronet Bay
The scars of war
September 22, 2015
What an interesting and amazing article Frank … really enjoyed reading this article and the effects of war on Wonthaggi. Would love to read more about the memories of the local people and the effects that it left on their lives. Many thanks Frank and waiting for the next article .
Thank you, Great articles as usual and always learning more and more about the area in which we live.
Joy Button, Coronet Bay
Newcomers welcome
September 10, 2015
Thank you Maddy and Harry, and Gill Heal, for so eloquently expressing what so many of us have so unexpectedly found here: a sense of belonging.
Peter Crisp
September 9, 2015
I found last Saturday's edition very moving, particularly Last Orders and Newcomers Welcome; great to be able to read in depth articles about local people.
Geoff Ellis
September 9, 2015
Great story - loved it. Well done to both of you.
Susan Ferres
Rooms with a view
September 9, 2015
Another enjoyable and entertaining edition, thanks. After spending the majority of my working life involved in the manufacture and processing of float glass, I loved Tim Shannon's article.
From the first "...small panes of clear hand blown glass was opulence", glass has transformed the way we live and interact with the environment, it enables architects and many others to create things to improve and enhance our lives.
The glass Tim refers to as cladding monotonous and anonymous buildings in modern architecture is a marvel of human ingenuity, perseverance and ability, a creation that, for most people, has failed if we become aware of it! The "Emperors New Clothes" from my childhood is a beautiful example of what we expect from this humble product.
How can something we are not meant to see or be aware of defend itself from the eloquence and ability of those who rely on it to create their own paths in life?
Tony Hughes
Last orders
September 9, 2015
I am writing this after midnight with laughter and tears reading about all the food Malcolm has left for upcoming events. A very special human being that gave his all and we are so proud to have known him. I know Annie will very proud of all Malcolm's accomplishments and sheer hard work. Rest in peace and we will meet again.
Christine Bell
September 9, 2015
Thank you, Catherine, for a lovely description of Malcolm Bain's brave, passionate life, spent in giving of himself. Then a death with no lingering. Who could ask for more?
Felicia Di Stefano
Other worlds
September 4, 2015
Thank you Catherine for your article "other worlds." Most of us have little experience of being a stranger in one's own land, or of being rejected, even criminalised for being who we are. For some reason, it was easier to tap into your sense of liberation and the feeling of having come home.
The story of the bloke who discovered aboriginality at the men's shed in Drouin after a lifetime of contempt is one of our great modern yarns. It reminded me of a similar story I heard on the radio a couple of years ago. A similar minded character in a remote Queensland community who didn't want "towel heads" in his country was having trouble getting labour due to his area having been bled by the lure of big money in the mines. He was sent a worker who had been granted refugee status (a towel head) which made him very anxious. After three days, having heard what this man had been through, having heard of the hopes and dreams he had for his family, and having seen him work, he was completely turned around. His previous thoughts and feelings were replaced by awe, admiration and great respect. He also felt in his liberation, a need to share his story.
It's easy to get caught up in mythology and the politics of demonisation, but it is encouraging to know that with a few facts, reading the right book or having direct experience of something can very quickly transform an open mind. Meeting and working with someone is one of the best ways of getting an accurate picture of their character. Far too many Australians today live with unnecessary fear, anxiety or even hatred based on shadows and misinformation. May the light eventually shine on us all.
John Coldebella, Wonthaggi
October 25, 2015
It is amazing that the "imaginary bass coast whales" could suddenly become so numerous. This year's sightings are not a record - in 2010 during the first year of our winter whale watch, there were over 200 sightings between May and late July. Then the desal tunnel boring machines started up and they suddenly disappeared. We are soon to meet with the shire, etc, to set up a series of interpretive signs along the coast part of the national whale trail initiative. Finally our finned friends are getting the recognition they deserve.
Mark Robertson, Wonthaggi
A few home truths
November 3, 2015
Loved your story Geoff! Keep up the good work!
Nicole Kellow
October 25, 2015
What a great article by Tim Shannon! It says so much about ourselves and our environment. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Jellie Wyckelsma
Old habits die hard
October 22, 2015
Hurry back to circle dancing - it's lonely without you. Stick at it.
Daryl Hook
October 18, 2015
Oh Geoff - you are so brave! I wish you strong determination, only occasional lapses and no giving up. I too feel the age of diabetes upon me, so we are using the 5 - 2 intermittent diet to reduce the body fat - the main aim to achieving a healthier body. We seem to use up less body fuel now whilst inhaling a lot more - hence the fat buildup. So I think your exercise and gardening and non-replenishment of favourite foods is probably just what the doc ordered - you may just get a smile next checkup. Not having the dangerous stuff in the house makes it easier.
When you're ready we'll add to your treadmill dance some soothing 'circle dancing' - a tonic for relaxing into ancient movements and music. We miss you.
Sue Packham, Woolamai
The great space race
October 18, 2015
The great space race brought back long gone memories. Tramming down to
St Kilda to the Victory Theatre with the sisters and sometimes playmate
Donny Williams to catch up with Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers and the Green
Hornet. Boy, those were the days!
I have vivid memories still of James Cagney in The Oklahoma Kid. The first
westener I had seen where the hero had only one gun and rode a nondescript
brown horse. Then there was Killer McCoy with Mickey Rooney, a rough, tough
boxing movie that blossomed into my ritual of listening to Friday night broadcasts
from the West Melbourne Stadium with Eric Welsh.
Big sister Jo always gave me her 2 shillings pocket money and insisted I help
her on and off the tram, paid for her tram and movie tickets and dixie ice cream
(with her money) and walk with her arm in arm. Of course she was grooming
me in the art of picking up and impressing girls. It worked in latter years now
and then.
Bob Middleton, Jeetho West
The holiday isle
October 12, 2015
Councillor Phil Wright should be commended for his vision and tourism strategy. A linking, shared [ walking/bicycle] path ,through wildlife corridors and along the coast is a wonderful way to preserve and showcase our island, keeping people fit and relaxed and taking much traffic off the road.
The regular ,free buses linking tourism spots is a winner of an idea too. In Whistler, Canada, there are hundreds of kilometres of linking walking/cycling tracks which are highly utilised. It is so wonderful to see so many happy, healthy families using these and building their community relationships at the same time.
In the US ,some of the very busy national parks don’t allow cars at all. They have free buses circulating the park and dropping tourists at various points of interest or at walking track points. This has all obviously been proven to be successful.
In Northern Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and other places in Europe these shared pathways and public bus transport alleviate the horrendous traffic.
I think this strategy would be perfect for Phillip Island allowing growth of our tourism industry and protection of our natural assets from damage.
We also need to keep high-density development away from our natural assets and closer to town boundaries.
Vicki Breen
Have wings will travel
October 12, 2015
An interesting observation by Nola Thorpe. Who would have thought that Ibis and Ravens were once thin on the ground (and in the air) in Bass Coast country not so long ago.
We lived on our Jeetho West block for a good five years before I saw the first house sparrow. Now the word has got out that we have chooks they are no longer visitors but residents. A friend from Fremantle stayed with us not so long ago and had never seen a sparrow before. She could not have been more delighted than if she had spotted a orange-bellied parrot.
Speaking of which, we had our first king parrot last week taking our backyard species tally to 53. No doubt someone as observant as Nola would have identified many more.
Bob Middleton, Jeetho West
The old lady of the sea
September 30, 2015
Linda’s great article really hit the "navigation” mark with me. I too have walked up to the top of Woolamai, admired the sensational views and “experienced” the wildlife (a sunning black snake in June?! I’m scared witless of them).
So it’s great that others may be encouraged to do likewise. Though a word of warning. Once we get into the warmer months, I’m told snakes can be a real problem up there. That’s why I went in winter.
Linda’s evocative descriptions from the land can only be matched by the view from the sea. Though a “creaky old back” has largely eliminated my ability to “get out into the Strait” to chase a feed of the big flatties that inhabit the 30-plus metres depth out there, during the countless times I was able to do so, I never tired of the Cape’s magnificent seaward side scenery. Coming back with a feed was a bonus.
Linda describes “Gull Island” very well. It’s basically just a small rock outcrop about 30 metres off shore. Anyone I take out there for the first time is informed that they should return home and tell everyone they “circumnavigated Gull Island”. Well, it sounds impressive. The waters around Gull are also notable for crystal clarity and a clean sandy bottom.
A bit further back from Gull Island there lie a couple of caves in the cliff face. Big enough to get an average size fishing boat in, but I’ve never had the courage to try. Three young generations of my family, including me, have been told it was a “pirates cave”.
Hopefully, in the future when someone does take that lovely walk, the view to the northwest will not be dominated, and therefore spoilt, by container cranes operating the Port at Hastings, not to mention the 60,000-tonners anchored off Rhyll.
Kevin Chambers, The Gurdies
The scars of war
September 30, 2015
Well researched and well written - a story told with palpable humanity and empathy. The stories of the POW’s echo similar responses and reactions now reaching down 2-3 generations since Changi and WW2.
Fran Carroll
Crewzers on a mission
September 22, 2015
Thanks to Liane Arno for a most informant article. It's wonderful to hear of people committed to making a difference by supporting those in a heap of bother. I'll be going to the event mentioned - on October 15th.
Good luck to the Crewzers!
Sue Packham, Woolamai
A little upside down
September 22, 2015
A most excellent article by John Coldebella about the consciousness of our footballers compared to our politicians. I have only met him once. It was at the refugee play Stormy Waters, held in the Uniting Church in Foster in which he wrote and performed some beautiful songs. Good on you John. You are a man of intelligence, with real insight and compassion.
John Laurie, Foster North.
John Coldebella makes a valid point about our elected representatives.
I wonder if their behaviour reflects the change in us, as a society, or is it a response to the way Politics is reported? Ray Hadley and Scott Morrison were only able to aspire to a new low point because people were listening to the broadcast.
I believe that a compelling argument could be put that Australia's last true Statesman was Doc Evatt who, after being a a High Court Judge, was President of the United Nations General Assembly from 1948 to 1949, helped draft the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and was the first Chairman of the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission. This was before he returned to Australia to lead the ALP.
Those credentials far eclipse Sir Robert Menzies' highest international appointment as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a post he took over from Winston Churchill in 1966. He was succeeded by the Queen Mother in 1978.
The scarcity of statespersons is cause for concern. Much as Betty Windsor's mum had to give up lording it over those five ports her Highness and her/our Governor General will not be Australia's head of state for ever. Who among the current crop of leaders is qualified to lead us in the direction we need to go?
One day there will be a Republic of Australia. With a president. Who would we vote for?
Right now, it's hard to think of someone who could campaign for the role on merit. Or be appointed by Parliament without polarising the nation.
Unless we can develop a presidential C3PO, programmed to obey the constitution within universal ethical standards, we are doomed to be ruled by politicians.
Or maybe we could clone a president. Is there any Evatt DNA left in Australian politics?
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
I do not know much about the current footballers but enjoyed John Coldebella’s article and leaves no doubt that the footballers are far more honourable than some of our current politicians in Federal and State Governments. Another fascinating article John.
Joy Button, Coronet Bay
The scars of war
September 22, 2015
What an interesting and amazing article Frank … really enjoyed reading this article and the effects of war on Wonthaggi. Would love to read more about the memories of the local people and the effects that it left on their lives. Many thanks Frank and waiting for the next article .
Thank you, Great articles as usual and always learning more and more about the area in which we live.
Joy Button, Coronet Bay
Newcomers welcome
September 10, 2015
Thank you Maddy and Harry, and Gill Heal, for so eloquently expressing what so many of us have so unexpectedly found here: a sense of belonging.
Peter Crisp
September 9, 2015
I found last Saturday's edition very moving, particularly Last Orders and Newcomers Welcome; great to be able to read in depth articles about local people.
Geoff Ellis
September 9, 2015
Great story - loved it. Well done to both of you.
Susan Ferres
Rooms with a view
September 9, 2015
Another enjoyable and entertaining edition, thanks. After spending the majority of my working life involved in the manufacture and processing of float glass, I loved Tim Shannon's article.
From the first "...small panes of clear hand blown glass was opulence", glass has transformed the way we live and interact with the environment, it enables architects and many others to create things to improve and enhance our lives.
The glass Tim refers to as cladding monotonous and anonymous buildings in modern architecture is a marvel of human ingenuity, perseverance and ability, a creation that, for most people, has failed if we become aware of it! The "Emperors New Clothes" from my childhood is a beautiful example of what we expect from this humble product.
How can something we are not meant to see or be aware of defend itself from the eloquence and ability of those who rely on it to create their own paths in life?
Tony Hughes
Last orders
September 9, 2015
I am writing this after midnight with laughter and tears reading about all the food Malcolm has left for upcoming events. A very special human being that gave his all and we are so proud to have known him. I know Annie will very proud of all Malcolm's accomplishments and sheer hard work. Rest in peace and we will meet again.
Christine Bell
September 9, 2015
Thank you, Catherine, for a lovely description of Malcolm Bain's brave, passionate life, spent in giving of himself. Then a death with no lingering. Who could ask for more?
Felicia Di Stefano
Other worlds
September 4, 2015
Thank you Catherine for your article "other worlds." Most of us have little experience of being a stranger in one's own land, or of being rejected, even criminalised for being who we are. For some reason, it was easier to tap into your sense of liberation and the feeling of having come home.
The story of the bloke who discovered aboriginality at the men's shed in Drouin after a lifetime of contempt is one of our great modern yarns. It reminded me of a similar story I heard on the radio a couple of years ago. A similar minded character in a remote Queensland community who didn't want "towel heads" in his country was having trouble getting labour due to his area having been bled by the lure of big money in the mines. He was sent a worker who had been granted refugee status (a towel head) which made him very anxious. After three days, having heard what this man had been through, having heard of the hopes and dreams he had for his family, and having seen him work, he was completely turned around. His previous thoughts and feelings were replaced by awe, admiration and great respect. He also felt in his liberation, a need to share his story.
It's easy to get caught up in mythology and the politics of demonisation, but it is encouraging to know that with a few facts, reading the right book or having direct experience of something can very quickly transform an open mind. Meeting and working with someone is one of the best ways of getting an accurate picture of their character. Far too many Australians today live with unnecessary fear, anxiety or even hatred based on shadows and misinformation. May the light eventually shine on us all.
John Coldebella, Wonthaggi
$15m Cowes project lifts off
December 18, 2015
I agree that the Cowes Northern Beaches along the Esplanade were identified in the community consultation as gems that needed to be enhanced, but The Jetty Triangle was not so identified. That seems to have been an idea preconceived by Council staff prior to the beginning of the consultation process. The obvious issues are loss of car parking spaces, making it more difficult for disabled and less abled access, for fishermen and women, etc.
Spending $1.5 million on the proposed alterations to The Jetty Triangle is ill-conceived and should put back to the people to validate if that is indeed what they want. And all for six night markets a year??
Walter Broussard
December 13, 2015
Thank you for the article about the Cowes Revitalisation. It is the beginning of an exciting new era in the history of Cowes and we can look forward now to it starting to happen. There have been many people visiting the tent in Cowes over the week-end, asking questions and wanting to be informed of the vision for the future.
Anne Davie, Ventnor
Dogs versus plovers
December 18, 2015
Thank you, Ed Thexton, for your beautiful article about the hooded plovers. I love the respect with which you write about these very special little birds. It's passion like yours that will help educate the public and save this precious species. Please keep up the great work!
Sue Saliba, Cowes
December 15, 2015
I love dogs but will barrack for the birds every time. Thank you, Ed Thexton, for educating me about the hooded plovers and their tenuous survival on earth.
You know, I think that if people were educated about the issue, they would understand and keep their dogs away from nesting birds. If people realised that rather than losing some of their democratic rights, they were actually increasing the right to life for a species, they would help.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
Tales of tragedy and triumph
December 15, 2015
Congratulations to Geoff Ellis on his outstanding story on the Rhyll Cemetery. Well researched, well written and great photos, the readers will love it. Keep up the good work Geoff.
Roger Clark, Grantville
Ode to the Post
December 13, 2015
Thank you Linda Cutriss. Your ode inspires me to become a contributor rather than an occasional reader of the Post. Need to drop half a dozen commitments, take a course in two hours sleep a night and I'll be right.
I certainly do appreciate Catherine's creation and the brilliant minds who give us the benefit of their knowledge and writing skills. Thank you, all.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
Thank you for another year of awesome stories!
Zena Benbow, Grantville
Thank you for a year of great story and comments in the Post.
Clare Le Serve, Bass
Bass Coast Calendar
December 6, 2015
Thanks for my two calendars. I think they're just beautiful and I would like to order five more.
Berit Janssen, Cowes
December 5, 2015
I disagree with Tony Hughes. Calender is great. Photographers have done a beaut job. Cheers from a Kiwi.
Lenice Hurndell, Papamoa
December 4, 2015
We recently purchased this years calendar for ourselves and friends overseas as we did last year. On checking it out, we decided not to send a copy overseas, we felt a number of the photo's lacked artistic merit.
This email is not intended as a criticism, just wanted to let you know how we felt in case others give you similar feedback.
Tony Hughes, Wonthaggi
December 4, 2015
Thank you for your wonderful & informative BC Post over the past year ~ a great job done so well.
Thank you too for the three calendars I ordered recently. They arrived today. I was amazed and so pleased that in this day of over the top technology that folk like you still have trust in your readers and the community. It was FAB that there was no invoice, just a request to send a cheque or transfer the money due ~ it says much about you and how you operate, so refreshing in this age.
Eight years ago we purchased a little holiday house in Surf Beach and 12 months ago, after being forced into early retirement, moved in permanently. Two of our children also live/have a holiday home in Surf Beach as they love this piece of paradise so much. The other children visit often.
Rob & Ineke Humphrys, Surf Beach
Country boy with a city heart
December 4, 2015
I enjoy going to Darren’s studio/salon to have my hair cut and coloured. As I walk in the door I look forward to seeing what interesting objects are visible that day. Sometimes it is a beautiful bowl with a lovely arrangement, other times it can be something quite whimsical, or a vibrant painting. Darren and Danny make going to their salon an enjoyable experience.
Jan Fleming, Cowes
A new school of thought
November 23, 2015
I just read Brian Paynter’s article on Wonthaggi Secondary College. As a former student of the college, father of two former students who struggled with sub-standard facilities, and the son of a respected teacher at Wonthaggi Tech/High, High school and WSC senior teacher, I would like to ask him why his coalition partners have not pursued the promises of a new senior campus, upgrade of hospital to sub-regional status, cultural centre and the non-payment of rates by the desal owners.
I would also like to ask why our letters regarding concerns about impacts on the Bass Coast marine environment have not been acknowledged. We know that your predecessor decided that desal was alright because "it looks good", but we also know that you are "not Ken Smith".
Our group has many unanswered questions about the desal hangover, and it would be helpful to know that our elected representative "was listening" and communicating with us.
Mark Robertson, president, Watershed Victoria
That sinking feeling
November 19, 2015
The quote that the desal smashed seawater into drinking water in 2012 demands a response. Sure, the commissioning produced drinking-quality water (albeit with added boron), but the outlet structures collapsed under the strain of introducing a full load of "brine" back into our nearshore waters - adjacent to the "jewel in the crown" of Victoria's marine national parks - the Bunurong.
We were assured at a council meeting soon after that suitable industrial bandaid had been applied to the wound,and that "she'll be right,mate". Aquasure was hit with a Pollution Abatement notice, and I was informed by the new boss of EPA Gippsland that the hiccup had killed off everything within the "mixing zone". The corporation did not know this was happening, despite their assurances of "world's best practice".
We sought a public meeting about this - insisted upon by then-mayor Claire Le Serve - but this never happened. The best that Aquasure and their state government masters could come up with was "no impact on beneficial species". I strongly suspect that this means "shareholders". This milestone was a year late.
Unfinished business? I, for one, have a long memory, and the upcoming activation of the great white elephant only serves to stimulate me into getting some proper answers to the desal debacle.
Mark Robertson. President, Watershed Victoria
‘Fat bikes’ blaze an unwelcome trail
November 15, 2015
Thank you Sue, it sounds as though it could become an expanding business that simply adds to the danger to the Hooded Plovers and other environmental issues. Already on beaches like Surf Beach Phillip Island there is increasing pressure of dogs off leads at all times, contrary to the rules. What we should be doing is reducing the number of dogs, bicycles and careless human beings from using the beaches.
Jan Fleming, Cowes
Let's work together: new mayor
November 15, 2015
Congratulations and well done, Cr Crugnale. I also heartily agree that it takes more than just the Councillors and the Administration Staff to get things done!
There is great expertise and local knowledge in our communities and with good judgement much can be accomplished, together.
Carmen Bush, Rhyll Community Association
Let’s get positive
November 5, 2015
I could not agree more with Michael Whelan's article. A couple of weeks ago I was talking with some shopkeepers in Leongatha and Loch about the impact that the "Footy Friday" public holiday had on their businesses. Generally speaking it was revenue neutral, some businesses had increased turnover but places that had employees had basically handed the extra cash flow over in penalty rates.
The thing that stuck out for me was that their considered opinion was in marked contrast to the almost hysterical coverage in the main stream media, particularly commercial TV, that made it sound like every small business was about to pushed to the brink.
Part of our discussion referenced other Public Holidays, such as Cup Day, and gee, isn't that day off a great boon for a particular industry!? No negative impact is there?
One person reminded me about Bob Hawkes's "no worker should be sacked" for having a sickie the day we won the America's cup. How different Australia was back then. Even though we were in some pretty hard economic times there seemed to be a determination to work toward a better society; the Cup victory was emblematic of Australia's collective will.
What, as a society, are we working towards now?
One thing that angers me is that the more specialist knowledge that you have, in any particular area, the more errors or inconsistencies that become apparent in the television and tabloid coverage of news. Climate change is a good example of consistent misreporting and use of selective quotes and data to suit a particular narrative.
In relation to the jetliner that broke up in mid-air over Sinai, currently Radio and TV "news" are reporting gossip and speculation from (often unnamed) "US Government", "UK Government" or Russian sources as fact and ignoring the few known facts which point toward mechanical issues relating to previous tail-strike damage. The narrative that is being pushed is an act of terrorism which suits so many agendas whereas metal fatigue doesn't. Was there no lesson in the "Saddam has weapons of mass destruction?"
Another problem with the 24-hour news cycle is that items only get a run if they have exciting footage or some element of peril for the target audience. With so much news available, why is there a focus on just two or three items each day that are done to death with a parade of retired or former "experts"?
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
December 18, 2015
I agree that the Cowes Northern Beaches along the Esplanade were identified in the community consultation as gems that needed to be enhanced, but The Jetty Triangle was not so identified. That seems to have been an idea preconceived by Council staff prior to the beginning of the consultation process. The obvious issues are loss of car parking spaces, making it more difficult for disabled and less abled access, for fishermen and women, etc.
Spending $1.5 million on the proposed alterations to The Jetty Triangle is ill-conceived and should put back to the people to validate if that is indeed what they want. And all for six night markets a year??
Walter Broussard
December 13, 2015
Thank you for the article about the Cowes Revitalisation. It is the beginning of an exciting new era in the history of Cowes and we can look forward now to it starting to happen. There have been many people visiting the tent in Cowes over the week-end, asking questions and wanting to be informed of the vision for the future.
Anne Davie, Ventnor
Dogs versus plovers
December 18, 2015
Thank you, Ed Thexton, for your beautiful article about the hooded plovers. I love the respect with which you write about these very special little birds. It's passion like yours that will help educate the public and save this precious species. Please keep up the great work!
Sue Saliba, Cowes
December 15, 2015
I love dogs but will barrack for the birds every time. Thank you, Ed Thexton, for educating me about the hooded plovers and their tenuous survival on earth.
You know, I think that if people were educated about the issue, they would understand and keep their dogs away from nesting birds. If people realised that rather than losing some of their democratic rights, they were actually increasing the right to life for a species, they would help.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
Tales of tragedy and triumph
December 15, 2015
Congratulations to Geoff Ellis on his outstanding story on the Rhyll Cemetery. Well researched, well written and great photos, the readers will love it. Keep up the good work Geoff.
Roger Clark, Grantville
Ode to the Post
December 13, 2015
Thank you Linda Cutriss. Your ode inspires me to become a contributor rather than an occasional reader of the Post. Need to drop half a dozen commitments, take a course in two hours sleep a night and I'll be right.
I certainly do appreciate Catherine's creation and the brilliant minds who give us the benefit of their knowledge and writing skills. Thank you, all.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
Thank you for another year of awesome stories!
Zena Benbow, Grantville
Thank you for a year of great story and comments in the Post.
Clare Le Serve, Bass
Bass Coast Calendar
December 6, 2015
Thanks for my two calendars. I think they're just beautiful and I would like to order five more.
Berit Janssen, Cowes
December 5, 2015
I disagree with Tony Hughes. Calender is great. Photographers have done a beaut job. Cheers from a Kiwi.
Lenice Hurndell, Papamoa
December 4, 2015
We recently purchased this years calendar for ourselves and friends overseas as we did last year. On checking it out, we decided not to send a copy overseas, we felt a number of the photo's lacked artistic merit.
This email is not intended as a criticism, just wanted to let you know how we felt in case others give you similar feedback.
Tony Hughes, Wonthaggi
December 4, 2015
Thank you for your wonderful & informative BC Post over the past year ~ a great job done so well.
Thank you too for the three calendars I ordered recently. They arrived today. I was amazed and so pleased that in this day of over the top technology that folk like you still have trust in your readers and the community. It was FAB that there was no invoice, just a request to send a cheque or transfer the money due ~ it says much about you and how you operate, so refreshing in this age.
Eight years ago we purchased a little holiday house in Surf Beach and 12 months ago, after being forced into early retirement, moved in permanently. Two of our children also live/have a holiday home in Surf Beach as they love this piece of paradise so much. The other children visit often.
Rob & Ineke Humphrys, Surf Beach
Country boy with a city heart
December 4, 2015
I enjoy going to Darren’s studio/salon to have my hair cut and coloured. As I walk in the door I look forward to seeing what interesting objects are visible that day. Sometimes it is a beautiful bowl with a lovely arrangement, other times it can be something quite whimsical, or a vibrant painting. Darren and Danny make going to their salon an enjoyable experience.
Jan Fleming, Cowes
A new school of thought
November 23, 2015
I just read Brian Paynter’s article on Wonthaggi Secondary College. As a former student of the college, father of two former students who struggled with sub-standard facilities, and the son of a respected teacher at Wonthaggi Tech/High, High school and WSC senior teacher, I would like to ask him why his coalition partners have not pursued the promises of a new senior campus, upgrade of hospital to sub-regional status, cultural centre and the non-payment of rates by the desal owners.
I would also like to ask why our letters regarding concerns about impacts on the Bass Coast marine environment have not been acknowledged. We know that your predecessor decided that desal was alright because "it looks good", but we also know that you are "not Ken Smith".
Our group has many unanswered questions about the desal hangover, and it would be helpful to know that our elected representative "was listening" and communicating with us.
Mark Robertson, president, Watershed Victoria
That sinking feeling
November 19, 2015
The quote that the desal smashed seawater into drinking water in 2012 demands a response. Sure, the commissioning produced drinking-quality water (albeit with added boron), but the outlet structures collapsed under the strain of introducing a full load of "brine" back into our nearshore waters - adjacent to the "jewel in the crown" of Victoria's marine national parks - the Bunurong.
We were assured at a council meeting soon after that suitable industrial bandaid had been applied to the wound,and that "she'll be right,mate". Aquasure was hit with a Pollution Abatement notice, and I was informed by the new boss of EPA Gippsland that the hiccup had killed off everything within the "mixing zone". The corporation did not know this was happening, despite their assurances of "world's best practice".
We sought a public meeting about this - insisted upon by then-mayor Claire Le Serve - but this never happened. The best that Aquasure and their state government masters could come up with was "no impact on beneficial species". I strongly suspect that this means "shareholders". This milestone was a year late.
Unfinished business? I, for one, have a long memory, and the upcoming activation of the great white elephant only serves to stimulate me into getting some proper answers to the desal debacle.
Mark Robertson. President, Watershed Victoria
‘Fat bikes’ blaze an unwelcome trail
November 15, 2015
Thank you Sue, it sounds as though it could become an expanding business that simply adds to the danger to the Hooded Plovers and other environmental issues. Already on beaches like Surf Beach Phillip Island there is increasing pressure of dogs off leads at all times, contrary to the rules. What we should be doing is reducing the number of dogs, bicycles and careless human beings from using the beaches.
Jan Fleming, Cowes
Let's work together: new mayor
November 15, 2015
Congratulations and well done, Cr Crugnale. I also heartily agree that it takes more than just the Councillors and the Administration Staff to get things done!
There is great expertise and local knowledge in our communities and with good judgement much can be accomplished, together.
Carmen Bush, Rhyll Community Association
Let’s get positive
November 5, 2015
I could not agree more with Michael Whelan's article. A couple of weeks ago I was talking with some shopkeepers in Leongatha and Loch about the impact that the "Footy Friday" public holiday had on their businesses. Generally speaking it was revenue neutral, some businesses had increased turnover but places that had employees had basically handed the extra cash flow over in penalty rates.
The thing that stuck out for me was that their considered opinion was in marked contrast to the almost hysterical coverage in the main stream media, particularly commercial TV, that made it sound like every small business was about to pushed to the brink.
Part of our discussion referenced other Public Holidays, such as Cup Day, and gee, isn't that day off a great boon for a particular industry!? No negative impact is there?
One person reminded me about Bob Hawkes's "no worker should be sacked" for having a sickie the day we won the America's cup. How different Australia was back then. Even though we were in some pretty hard economic times there seemed to be a determination to work toward a better society; the Cup victory was emblematic of Australia's collective will.
What, as a society, are we working towards now?
One thing that angers me is that the more specialist knowledge that you have, in any particular area, the more errors or inconsistencies that become apparent in the television and tabloid coverage of news. Climate change is a good example of consistent misreporting and use of selective quotes and data to suit a particular narrative.
In relation to the jetliner that broke up in mid-air over Sinai, currently Radio and TV "news" are reporting gossip and speculation from (often unnamed) "US Government", "UK Government" or Russian sources as fact and ignoring the few known facts which point toward mechanical issues relating to previous tail-strike damage. The narrative that is being pushed is an act of terrorism which suits so many agendas whereas metal fatigue doesn't. Was there no lesson in the "Saddam has weapons of mass destruction?"
Another problem with the 24-hour news cycle is that items only get a run if they have exciting footage or some element of peril for the target audience. With so much news available, why is there a focus on just two or three items each day that are done to death with a parade of retired or former "experts"?
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
Heaven help us
August 31, 2015
What a revelation, John Coldebella. We knew you could write the music and the lyrics but this is another side of your talents.
Wonderful tongue in cheek humour, insight and wise advice although the advice will most likely go unheeded. Many people of political bent are rather like teenagers. They already know it all. I for one eagerly await Alan Brown's response which will surely be forthcoming.
It is to be hoped that we, the readers of the Bass Coast Post, will be hearing a lot more from John Coldebella in the future.
Bob Middleton, Jeetho West
OMG! LOL! Nearly choked on my coffee, again. That article by John Coldebella, brilliant insight, great rebuttal and well written.
Keep up the good work, Bass Coast Post
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
Loved the whole issue and thought Heaven help us brilliant.
Bob Davie, Ventnor
A walk on the mild side
August 31, 2015
Another fantastic week for the Bass Coast Post.
I particularly liked the story and the great photos from Linda Cuttriss in her story on the Rhyll Inlet, one of the area’s hidden treasures. Wish I had time to go out and do it today. Thanks Linda.
Roger Clark, Grantville.
We sometimes take friends visiting the Island on this walk, and it always causes a surprise. However, your insights and knowledge add new understanding. Thank you, Linda.
Tim Shannon, Ventnor
A friend of the family
August 29, 2015
Terri Allen's biography of a tree was most interesting reading. What we need to be reminded of is the significance of trees in our human lives. As zoologist and philosopher Colin Tudge writes in the Secret Life of Trees "... trees are of course at the heart of things. How could it be otherwise? The human lineage began in trees. We have left our ancestors far behind but we are creatures of the forest still." And as Terri Allen points out so much life, so many creatures besides us, need trees, young and old.
Thanks, too, to Bob Middleton for his tender story about a wounded bird. Lovely, penetrating insights into life's frailties and resilience.
Linda Gordon, Wonthaggi
VFF fears for farmers
August 28, 2015
Though I am not “directly affected” by a giant hole in the ground in Queensland or South Leongatha, or a gas well in Seaspray, I am concerned about the wellbeing of our country. I want our grandchildren to inherit a place that is no worse than the one that we were gifted. If that makes me an “environmental vigilante” I won't resile from the appellation but I am saddened by the Federal Government's recurring theme that you're not part of the team if you disagree, and will be labelled, mocked and marginalised.
Every citizen needs to be able to express their concerns through due process, even if that puts them at odds with a prime minister or a premier.The impact of a tip, coalmine or bottling plant isn’t confined to the adjacent property. Or the next town. The effects of industry resonate downwind, downstream and far along the road.
Due process needs to be followed. Governments should allow their constituents to do what they are legally entitled to do, then accept the decision of the relevant authority. It's not "lawfare", it's THE LAW. Attempting to remove people from the process splits the broader community, creates activists by providing more reason for concern, and removing the forum to calmly express such views.
Maybe more issues need to be put to a plebiscite, both nationally and locally. Mr Abbott is happy to follow public opinion when it suits him.
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
Full speed ahead on island bottlenecks
August 27, 2015
Well done, Mary and the team, for all the hard work you have done toward VicRoads accepting that we do have serious traffic problems on the Island. Roundabouts are indeed a good step forward in increased traffic flow in busy periods.
I do hope that this will be put into fruition sooner rather than later, as we all know that promises can be broken. Keep up the pressure don't let Vic Roads keep it the bottom of the in tray.
Pamela J Gill JP
Political guile or just bile?
August 26, 2015
What a great article, which expresses so well what many locals feel about Mr Brown and his “one-man attack” on the council.
It does so without resorting to emotional hyperbole that many of us without a voice resort to in our frustration.
Mr Brown’s ability to gain so much local media coverage at whim is concerning. Perhaps he is able to access media consultants and employ advisers to advance his cause/s. But why? As the article suggests, is he unable to accept his scalding defeat graciously? Is he a sore loser and hell-bent on revenge?
Because to many ratepayers he seems capable of harsh criticism and relentless attacks without offering one iota of policies that would help the community. Many suspect Mr Brown lacks any ability to self-reflect or indeed ask honestly what his part was in his defeat.
If he could honestly assess his motives, he might be surprised to learn that he has had more than 15 minutes of “fame“ and perhaps it’s time he retired gracefully and let the councillors voted in by the community do their job.
As for expecting him to “mentor” the new mayor, a tall order indeed. After all, what’s in it for him?
Maggie O’Brannan, Wonthaggi
August 26, 2015
I totally agree with Michael Whelan’s comments about the "Bass Coast Carper", retired pollie Mr Alan Brown. Obviously he received different advice from his parents than I from mine about, "if you can’t saying anything nice about someone, don’t say anything at all".
As Mr Whelan alluded to, as each letter by Mr Brown to the local press is printed, the sound of the "mashing of sour grapes" due to only two of his “Reform Group” candidates being elected at the last elections echoes louder throughout the shire than the cheering after the Kernot dairy application was rejected by the council last week.
Although it seems strange he has been very quiet on two issues that could severely impact the whole shire: to wit, the unfinished business of both the Port of Hastings and the Kernot diary application.
Come next year’s election, we Leadbeater ward ratepayers will not forget the "suffer Bass Coast, you get what you deserve" post-election Facebook rant from the Reform candidate in this ward.
We did get our "just desserts" and are ever so grateful for the outstanding job Cr Le Serve has done for our ward.
Kevin Chambers, The Gurdies.
The final flight
August 26, 2015
A week late but thank you to Bob Middleton for another wonderful tale of The Final Flight. We have a variety of birds that visit us most days and never tire of watching their antics. I just love how Bob weaves his magic in his story-telling and this tale was as mesmerising as the tale about the breeders of the roosters. Thank you Bob for another brilliant story and your awesome talent in portraying a good yarn. A great way to start the day. I love the philosophy of dishes remaining until the next day.
Joy Button, Coronet Bay
Councillors knock back ‘oversized’ Kernot dairy plan
August 22, 2015
Well done to Alan McDonald, Lisa McPherson & the rest of the group for convincing 6/7 Councillors to vote against this abomination. #peoplepowerprevailed #fightwellfought
Zena Benbow
Good news, up to a point. I guess it just means the proposers will appeal to VCAT, it will cost ratepayers a squillion and they'll probably get their way in the end. The phrase 'A courageous decision, Minister' springs to mind ...
Anne Heath Mennell
August 20, 2015
Well done Council, how ludicrous the idea in the first place. But be prepared for kicking and screaming from the Feds. How dare Gippsland people interfere with our wondrous trading partners China! Slowly but surely Australia is being taken over by the BIG players on the world stage, and our Federal pollies seem to think that is wonderful. What price the latest attack on the idea of ‘environmentalists’ being unable to oppose development UNLESS it affects them locally! Mr Abbott and his merry men seem to think climate change will only impact on ‘some’ people – the planet’s future woes will be equally distributed on the just and the unjust, Prime Minister.
Yvonne McRae
Fantastic news.
Pamela Gill
Good on Council. Thank you for letting us know Bass Coast Post.
Julie Statkus
Thank you one hundred times. Your breaking news has made my day!
Felicia Di Stefano
No doubt that will go to state govt or fed govt for them to get involved which no doubt they will. Be a lot of pressure on from China to push this through hard to see that they won't get it in long run.
Chris Day
Awesome news!
Adrian James
VCAT will be the problem - hopefully the labour government will step in and stop it.
Rosemary Loughnan
Great news.
Anne Davie
Great news, cheers.
Jan Speckman
Excellent news! Thanks for the update.
Linda Cuttriss
Other worlds
August 18, 2015
Thank you for your reflections, Catherine, on encountering other worlds and perspectives and finding your tribe.
It reminded me of my schoolgirl outrage on discovering that the French didn’t call the English Channel by that name but know it as La Manche. How could this be? It wasn’t right, even if the English and the Frogs had been at loggerheads for centuries. However, I also remember feeling pride on learning that the North American continent was ‘discovered’ by Vikings/Scandinavians (our first cousins) in the first millennium, long before Columbus set sail.
Growing up Catholic in a small, predominantly Protestant market town meant feeling outside the mainstream. Even worse, I was the ‘product of a mixed marriage’ with a Protestant father and Catholic mother so had to listen to a letter from the bishop, read out every month from the pulpit, on the dangers of mixed marriages and how the ‘products’ ie me, were inherently weaker in their faith and needed extra prayers from the rest of the faithful. Imagine how good that felt! I left both the town and the church as soon as I could and spent many years looking for my place, my clan.
When I arrived in Australia, I realised pretty quickly that this felt more like my place than anywhere else had done. When I finally moved to Bass Coast, almost fourteen years ago, there was a sense of coming ‘home’, of belonging, which I hadn’t experienced before. I can’t explain it rationally, although there are some similarities with the area in which I grew up. As a non- indigenous migrant I’ve struggled a bit with whether I can really ‘belong’ and feel a deep connection with this area. The reality is that the heart doesn’t seem to recognise such distinctions and, like it or not, I do feel a sense of belonging and connection. I’ve also made connections with some wonderful, diverse people who have welcomed me into a loose clan of connections which nourish my heart, soul and spirit. Many of them read the Bass Coast Post – you know who you are - and I thank you all.
Anne Heath Mennell, Tenby Point
August 13, 2015
Congratulations on your excellent article. You had the guts to express in such a wonderful way so many different issues related to discrimination and equality: these include racism, homophobia, equal rights, sexism, misogynism, ageism, equal opportunity ... and the list is endless
Since moving to Phillip Island in 2001 it surprised me that there were no gay bars, gay cafes, being able to buy gay books, magazines etc. Phillip island (and no doubt many other places in country areas) reminds me of the 1970s pre the gay liberation and women's liberation era.
Francesca and I don't talk much about our private lives, but we have had an exciting life dating back to 1970 when we became gay activists. This was just before the beginnings of the gay liberation and women's liberation movements.
Since then we have become "gay icons" (reluctantly) because there is a resurgence of interest by the younger generation in the history and culture of the LBGTI community. We have been interviewed on many occasions, had chapters in books and journal articles written about us. Recently I edited another chapter about us in a book that is to be published soon called 'Gay and Grey'.
However it is Francesca who is the real hero in this story because she was the first person in Australia to appear on television "full face" and declare she was a homosexual in June 1970 on a program called The Bailey File. That's how I met her - on television.
After I joined the organisation called Australasian Lesbian Movement (ALM) we appeared together in October 1970 on Channel 2 in the program called 'This Day Tonight.' At this stage Francesca was President and I was Secretary of ALM and we lived in Acland Street St Kilda in the clubrooms of ALM. So our "coming out" was very dramatic and had a great impact on our lives and many, many other people's lives. 1970 was a "turning point" in Australian gay history.
Phyllis Papps, Rhyll
August 13, 2015
Thank you for this article so full of insight. I dream of and work towards a truly inclusive society.
Robin Dzedins, Lynbrook
August 12, 2015
Brilliant article - thank you.
Fran Carroll, San Remo
Full speed ahead on island bottlenecks
August 16, 2015
That’s great news and thanks for all the work of the group, Mary. I submitted to the transport study and sincerely hope they can also address the need for integrated cycle paths. In particular, a link between Cowes-Ventnor and the Nobbies.
I regularly see people getting 'whooshed' by cars/buses/trucks as they ride along the side of this road. I walked it a while ago returning from a beach walk from Ventnor to Flynns beach and was amazed at the volume of traffic and the turbulence effect. There is plenty of road reserve on each side and a low grade so a bike/walking path would be relatively easy to build. It would offer a great alternative to people wanting to visit the Penguin Reserve/Nobbies, ease traffic and the often congested car park parking – and hey, what a great way to enjoy those stunning views.
Anne Paul, Ventnor
August 16, 2015
Very interested in VicRoads article. Not sure whether the Backbeach Road intersection mentioned is on Phillip Island or at San Remo.
For many years we had property at Cape Woolamai so I know that corner well. Having been involved in the San Remo access meetings, the Backbeach Road at San Remo has to be the most dangerous intersection of them all. When you think about it, every vehicle goes through the San Remo intersection no matter where they are going.
When you sit in the coffee lounge by the intersection any holiday period it's frightening to watch the near misses and accidents. The way people drive past and turn there is frightening. It's a major accident waiting to happen. Not only do you have the traffic from Backbeach Road turning there but also the traffic from San Remo Parade trying to do U-turns or right-hand turns.
To add to the mayhem, all the trucks and buses try to do a right-hand turn to take the turn into Genista Street so they can access the highway from Keam Court as there's no way for vehicles that size to turn straight onto the highway.
Bass Coast Council have always claimed the intersection is a VicRoads problem and to talk to them.
Unbelievably in their report on Keams subdivision the council wants the Keams developer to pay for left/right turn lanes at the intersection.
It’s a nice "cheap" option for council but will solve nothing. The corner will continue to be highly dangerous.
Why isn’t Bass Coast Council working with VicRoads to find a solution? Clearly the council continues to leave it to community groups to try to resolve the issues faced by the community.
No wonder our community questions the relevance and decision-making of this council!
Chris Day
The cost of dying
August 16, 2015
Congratulations on an excellent article on the cost of dying. As a trust member at the Grantville Cemetery I can appreciate the content perhaps more than most, and the outstanding way in which you have presented it.
Roger Clark, Grantville
Exits and entrances
August 14, 2015
I enjoyed this article for its originality. So well written, it focuses the reader’s attention on object we take for granted. It is a meditation: profound and philosophical.
Thanks again to the POST for a good read!
Heather Murray Tobias, Wonthaggi
Close encounters
August 14, 2015
What an interesting story. We so rarely have the experience with night creatures and tis had such a happy ending. Good on you, Anne, for your kindness, for taking the time to help a little creature trapped in a strange environment.
Heather Murray Tobias, Wonthaggi
Portrait of a silent killer
August 3, 2015
What a great work of art; what a great way to illustrate haemochromatosis! This is truly a silent killer: one of my parents succumbed to the effects of this disorder at age 67 and my paternal Grandfather and three of his brothers all died before the age of 60 from what appear to have been Haemochromatosis related issues.
In Australia, around 115,000 people may have the disorder. It's presence can be confirmed by simple blood tests that any GP can authorise. Haemochromatosis Awareness week occurs in the middle of August and there are many events being held around the country. Haemochromatosis Australia has a very informative website that can answer any questions and provide further information.
If you are around 50, chronically tired, have joint pain or are prone to mental "fogginess" it's worth consideration.
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
Refugees and us
August 2, 2015
Firstly let me join with the other voices that are congratulating Jordan Crugnale on writing this excellent article; it is both confronting and informative.
It seems that it’s all too easy to separate ourselves from our own origins.
I came to Australia in 1956; I was the near equivalent of an economic refugee. My parents saw no future for us in our war-affected homeland of the Nederlands. We were lucky, there was no one pointing a gun at our heads, my sisters had not been raped and my mother and father were not tortured. In fact my family were as happy as any other family; so purely based on the economic elements in our country my parents sought assistance from the Dutch government to migrate to Australia.
We spoke no English but most of our ethnic habits were not too far from the predominant Anglo Saxon community and our skin was white.
I particularly like the Julian Burnside business-plan that Jordan mentioned in her article. An economist friend once told me that for every person that comes to Australia and settles here at least two jobs are created; they all need food, clothes, houses, cars and like the rest of us a variety of services. Each time we have had an influx of migrants, our society has flourished. Unfortunately recent Australian governments have consistently propagandised us to fear these “boat people”. Burnside's plan has to be better than our current government who have stopped the boats by (allegedly) offering the people smugglers money to take them back. People smugglers would love this plan; first they get paid by the refugees and then by the Australian government. That seems like the ultimate repeat business opportunity.
John Mutsaers, Inverloch
I'm not racist but ...
August 2, 2015
The booing of Adam Goodes is clearly by a minority of the crowd. The rest can only sit mute and uncomfortable. What’s needed is an opportunity for them to voice their support of Goodes. Listening to the Ashes cricket commentary, I was surprised to hear what sounded like loud booing of English batsman Joe Root whenever he hit a boundary, until I realised the crowd were singing “ROOOO-OOOO-OOT”. A sustained “GOOOO-OOOO-OODES” call would incorporate and drown out the boos.
Catherine Watson, Wonthaggi
The stuff of democracy
August 1, 2015
The monthly forum of Community Plus continues its winter break in August. The next meeting will be on September 7 with Bass MP Brian Paynter as the guest speaker.
On the ABC program Q&A last year, speakers lamented that there was no mechanism for public debate about important issues. Phillip Island has led the way in establishing such a forum with Community Plus.
Initiated by Cr Phil Wright with the support of Cr Andrew Phillips and often other councillors in attendance, this forum both informs the community and listens to their issues of importance.
Every opinion is heard, and we still manage to finish on time!
Bring your ideas to the table for discussion at Community Plus, from 7-9.30pm on the first Monday of the month at the Phillip Island Information Centre, Newhaven.
Mary Whelan, Cowes
August 31, 2015
What a revelation, John Coldebella. We knew you could write the music and the lyrics but this is another side of your talents.
Wonderful tongue in cheek humour, insight and wise advice although the advice will most likely go unheeded. Many people of political bent are rather like teenagers. They already know it all. I for one eagerly await Alan Brown's response which will surely be forthcoming.
It is to be hoped that we, the readers of the Bass Coast Post, will be hearing a lot more from John Coldebella in the future.
Bob Middleton, Jeetho West
OMG! LOL! Nearly choked on my coffee, again. That article by John Coldebella, brilliant insight, great rebuttal and well written.
Keep up the good work, Bass Coast Post
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
Loved the whole issue and thought Heaven help us brilliant.
Bob Davie, Ventnor
A walk on the mild side
August 31, 2015
Another fantastic week for the Bass Coast Post.
I particularly liked the story and the great photos from Linda Cuttriss in her story on the Rhyll Inlet, one of the area’s hidden treasures. Wish I had time to go out and do it today. Thanks Linda.
Roger Clark, Grantville.
We sometimes take friends visiting the Island on this walk, and it always causes a surprise. However, your insights and knowledge add new understanding. Thank you, Linda.
Tim Shannon, Ventnor
A friend of the family
August 29, 2015
Terri Allen's biography of a tree was most interesting reading. What we need to be reminded of is the significance of trees in our human lives. As zoologist and philosopher Colin Tudge writes in the Secret Life of Trees "... trees are of course at the heart of things. How could it be otherwise? The human lineage began in trees. We have left our ancestors far behind but we are creatures of the forest still." And as Terri Allen points out so much life, so many creatures besides us, need trees, young and old.
Thanks, too, to Bob Middleton for his tender story about a wounded bird. Lovely, penetrating insights into life's frailties and resilience.
Linda Gordon, Wonthaggi
VFF fears for farmers
August 28, 2015
Though I am not “directly affected” by a giant hole in the ground in Queensland or South Leongatha, or a gas well in Seaspray, I am concerned about the wellbeing of our country. I want our grandchildren to inherit a place that is no worse than the one that we were gifted. If that makes me an “environmental vigilante” I won't resile from the appellation but I am saddened by the Federal Government's recurring theme that you're not part of the team if you disagree, and will be labelled, mocked and marginalised.
Every citizen needs to be able to express their concerns through due process, even if that puts them at odds with a prime minister or a premier.The impact of a tip, coalmine or bottling plant isn’t confined to the adjacent property. Or the next town. The effects of industry resonate downwind, downstream and far along the road.
Due process needs to be followed. Governments should allow their constituents to do what they are legally entitled to do, then accept the decision of the relevant authority. It's not "lawfare", it's THE LAW. Attempting to remove people from the process splits the broader community, creates activists by providing more reason for concern, and removing the forum to calmly express such views.
Maybe more issues need to be put to a plebiscite, both nationally and locally. Mr Abbott is happy to follow public opinion when it suits him.
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
Full speed ahead on island bottlenecks
August 27, 2015
Well done, Mary and the team, for all the hard work you have done toward VicRoads accepting that we do have serious traffic problems on the Island. Roundabouts are indeed a good step forward in increased traffic flow in busy periods.
I do hope that this will be put into fruition sooner rather than later, as we all know that promises can be broken. Keep up the pressure don't let Vic Roads keep it the bottom of the in tray.
Pamela J Gill JP
Political guile or just bile?
August 26, 2015
What a great article, which expresses so well what many locals feel about Mr Brown and his “one-man attack” on the council.
It does so without resorting to emotional hyperbole that many of us without a voice resort to in our frustration.
Mr Brown’s ability to gain so much local media coverage at whim is concerning. Perhaps he is able to access media consultants and employ advisers to advance his cause/s. But why? As the article suggests, is he unable to accept his scalding defeat graciously? Is he a sore loser and hell-bent on revenge?
Because to many ratepayers he seems capable of harsh criticism and relentless attacks without offering one iota of policies that would help the community. Many suspect Mr Brown lacks any ability to self-reflect or indeed ask honestly what his part was in his defeat.
If he could honestly assess his motives, he might be surprised to learn that he has had more than 15 minutes of “fame“ and perhaps it’s time he retired gracefully and let the councillors voted in by the community do their job.
As for expecting him to “mentor” the new mayor, a tall order indeed. After all, what’s in it for him?
Maggie O’Brannan, Wonthaggi
August 26, 2015
I totally agree with Michael Whelan’s comments about the "Bass Coast Carper", retired pollie Mr Alan Brown. Obviously he received different advice from his parents than I from mine about, "if you can’t saying anything nice about someone, don’t say anything at all".
As Mr Whelan alluded to, as each letter by Mr Brown to the local press is printed, the sound of the "mashing of sour grapes" due to only two of his “Reform Group” candidates being elected at the last elections echoes louder throughout the shire than the cheering after the Kernot dairy application was rejected by the council last week.
Although it seems strange he has been very quiet on two issues that could severely impact the whole shire: to wit, the unfinished business of both the Port of Hastings and the Kernot diary application.
Come next year’s election, we Leadbeater ward ratepayers will not forget the "suffer Bass Coast, you get what you deserve" post-election Facebook rant from the Reform candidate in this ward.
We did get our "just desserts" and are ever so grateful for the outstanding job Cr Le Serve has done for our ward.
Kevin Chambers, The Gurdies.
The final flight
August 26, 2015
A week late but thank you to Bob Middleton for another wonderful tale of The Final Flight. We have a variety of birds that visit us most days and never tire of watching their antics. I just love how Bob weaves his magic in his story-telling and this tale was as mesmerising as the tale about the breeders of the roosters. Thank you Bob for another brilliant story and your awesome talent in portraying a good yarn. A great way to start the day. I love the philosophy of dishes remaining until the next day.
Joy Button, Coronet Bay
Councillors knock back ‘oversized’ Kernot dairy plan
August 22, 2015
Well done to Alan McDonald, Lisa McPherson & the rest of the group for convincing 6/7 Councillors to vote against this abomination. #peoplepowerprevailed #fightwellfought
Zena Benbow
Good news, up to a point. I guess it just means the proposers will appeal to VCAT, it will cost ratepayers a squillion and they'll probably get their way in the end. The phrase 'A courageous decision, Minister' springs to mind ...
Anne Heath Mennell
August 20, 2015
Well done Council, how ludicrous the idea in the first place. But be prepared for kicking and screaming from the Feds. How dare Gippsland people interfere with our wondrous trading partners China! Slowly but surely Australia is being taken over by the BIG players on the world stage, and our Federal pollies seem to think that is wonderful. What price the latest attack on the idea of ‘environmentalists’ being unable to oppose development UNLESS it affects them locally! Mr Abbott and his merry men seem to think climate change will only impact on ‘some’ people – the planet’s future woes will be equally distributed on the just and the unjust, Prime Minister.
Yvonne McRae
Fantastic news.
Pamela Gill
Good on Council. Thank you for letting us know Bass Coast Post.
Julie Statkus
Thank you one hundred times. Your breaking news has made my day!
Felicia Di Stefano
No doubt that will go to state govt or fed govt for them to get involved which no doubt they will. Be a lot of pressure on from China to push this through hard to see that they won't get it in long run.
Chris Day
Awesome news!
Adrian James
VCAT will be the problem - hopefully the labour government will step in and stop it.
Rosemary Loughnan
Great news.
Anne Davie
Great news, cheers.
Jan Speckman
Excellent news! Thanks for the update.
Linda Cuttriss
Other worlds
August 18, 2015
Thank you for your reflections, Catherine, on encountering other worlds and perspectives and finding your tribe.
It reminded me of my schoolgirl outrage on discovering that the French didn’t call the English Channel by that name but know it as La Manche. How could this be? It wasn’t right, even if the English and the Frogs had been at loggerheads for centuries. However, I also remember feeling pride on learning that the North American continent was ‘discovered’ by Vikings/Scandinavians (our first cousins) in the first millennium, long before Columbus set sail.
Growing up Catholic in a small, predominantly Protestant market town meant feeling outside the mainstream. Even worse, I was the ‘product of a mixed marriage’ with a Protestant father and Catholic mother so had to listen to a letter from the bishop, read out every month from the pulpit, on the dangers of mixed marriages and how the ‘products’ ie me, were inherently weaker in their faith and needed extra prayers from the rest of the faithful. Imagine how good that felt! I left both the town and the church as soon as I could and spent many years looking for my place, my clan.
When I arrived in Australia, I realised pretty quickly that this felt more like my place than anywhere else had done. When I finally moved to Bass Coast, almost fourteen years ago, there was a sense of coming ‘home’, of belonging, which I hadn’t experienced before. I can’t explain it rationally, although there are some similarities with the area in which I grew up. As a non- indigenous migrant I’ve struggled a bit with whether I can really ‘belong’ and feel a deep connection with this area. The reality is that the heart doesn’t seem to recognise such distinctions and, like it or not, I do feel a sense of belonging and connection. I’ve also made connections with some wonderful, diverse people who have welcomed me into a loose clan of connections which nourish my heart, soul and spirit. Many of them read the Bass Coast Post – you know who you are - and I thank you all.
Anne Heath Mennell, Tenby Point
August 13, 2015
Congratulations on your excellent article. You had the guts to express in such a wonderful way so many different issues related to discrimination and equality: these include racism, homophobia, equal rights, sexism, misogynism, ageism, equal opportunity ... and the list is endless
Since moving to Phillip Island in 2001 it surprised me that there were no gay bars, gay cafes, being able to buy gay books, magazines etc. Phillip island (and no doubt many other places in country areas) reminds me of the 1970s pre the gay liberation and women's liberation era.
Francesca and I don't talk much about our private lives, but we have had an exciting life dating back to 1970 when we became gay activists. This was just before the beginnings of the gay liberation and women's liberation movements.
Since then we have become "gay icons" (reluctantly) because there is a resurgence of interest by the younger generation in the history and culture of the LBGTI community. We have been interviewed on many occasions, had chapters in books and journal articles written about us. Recently I edited another chapter about us in a book that is to be published soon called 'Gay and Grey'.
However it is Francesca who is the real hero in this story because she was the first person in Australia to appear on television "full face" and declare she was a homosexual in June 1970 on a program called The Bailey File. That's how I met her - on television.
After I joined the organisation called Australasian Lesbian Movement (ALM) we appeared together in October 1970 on Channel 2 in the program called 'This Day Tonight.' At this stage Francesca was President and I was Secretary of ALM and we lived in Acland Street St Kilda in the clubrooms of ALM. So our "coming out" was very dramatic and had a great impact on our lives and many, many other people's lives. 1970 was a "turning point" in Australian gay history.
Phyllis Papps, Rhyll
August 13, 2015
Thank you for this article so full of insight. I dream of and work towards a truly inclusive society.
Robin Dzedins, Lynbrook
August 12, 2015
Brilliant article - thank you.
Fran Carroll, San Remo
Full speed ahead on island bottlenecks
August 16, 2015
That’s great news and thanks for all the work of the group, Mary. I submitted to the transport study and sincerely hope they can also address the need for integrated cycle paths. In particular, a link between Cowes-Ventnor and the Nobbies.
I regularly see people getting 'whooshed' by cars/buses/trucks as they ride along the side of this road. I walked it a while ago returning from a beach walk from Ventnor to Flynns beach and was amazed at the volume of traffic and the turbulence effect. There is plenty of road reserve on each side and a low grade so a bike/walking path would be relatively easy to build. It would offer a great alternative to people wanting to visit the Penguin Reserve/Nobbies, ease traffic and the often congested car park parking – and hey, what a great way to enjoy those stunning views.
Anne Paul, Ventnor
August 16, 2015
Very interested in VicRoads article. Not sure whether the Backbeach Road intersection mentioned is on Phillip Island or at San Remo.
For many years we had property at Cape Woolamai so I know that corner well. Having been involved in the San Remo access meetings, the Backbeach Road at San Remo has to be the most dangerous intersection of them all. When you think about it, every vehicle goes through the San Remo intersection no matter where they are going.
When you sit in the coffee lounge by the intersection any holiday period it's frightening to watch the near misses and accidents. The way people drive past and turn there is frightening. It's a major accident waiting to happen. Not only do you have the traffic from Backbeach Road turning there but also the traffic from San Remo Parade trying to do U-turns or right-hand turns.
To add to the mayhem, all the trucks and buses try to do a right-hand turn to take the turn into Genista Street so they can access the highway from Keam Court as there's no way for vehicles that size to turn straight onto the highway.
Bass Coast Council have always claimed the intersection is a VicRoads problem and to talk to them.
Unbelievably in their report on Keams subdivision the council wants the Keams developer to pay for left/right turn lanes at the intersection.
It’s a nice "cheap" option for council but will solve nothing. The corner will continue to be highly dangerous.
Why isn’t Bass Coast Council working with VicRoads to find a solution? Clearly the council continues to leave it to community groups to try to resolve the issues faced by the community.
No wonder our community questions the relevance and decision-making of this council!
Chris Day
The cost of dying
August 16, 2015
Congratulations on an excellent article on the cost of dying. As a trust member at the Grantville Cemetery I can appreciate the content perhaps more than most, and the outstanding way in which you have presented it.
Roger Clark, Grantville
Exits and entrances
August 14, 2015
I enjoyed this article for its originality. So well written, it focuses the reader’s attention on object we take for granted. It is a meditation: profound and philosophical.
Thanks again to the POST for a good read!
Heather Murray Tobias, Wonthaggi
Close encounters
August 14, 2015
What an interesting story. We so rarely have the experience with night creatures and tis had such a happy ending. Good on you, Anne, for your kindness, for taking the time to help a little creature trapped in a strange environment.
Heather Murray Tobias, Wonthaggi
Portrait of a silent killer
August 3, 2015
What a great work of art; what a great way to illustrate haemochromatosis! This is truly a silent killer: one of my parents succumbed to the effects of this disorder at age 67 and my paternal Grandfather and three of his brothers all died before the age of 60 from what appear to have been Haemochromatosis related issues.
In Australia, around 115,000 people may have the disorder. It's presence can be confirmed by simple blood tests that any GP can authorise. Haemochromatosis Awareness week occurs in the middle of August and there are many events being held around the country. Haemochromatosis Australia has a very informative website that can answer any questions and provide further information.
If you are around 50, chronically tired, have joint pain or are prone to mental "fogginess" it's worth consideration.
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
Refugees and us
August 2, 2015
Firstly let me join with the other voices that are congratulating Jordan Crugnale on writing this excellent article; it is both confronting and informative.
It seems that it’s all too easy to separate ourselves from our own origins.
I came to Australia in 1956; I was the near equivalent of an economic refugee. My parents saw no future for us in our war-affected homeland of the Nederlands. We were lucky, there was no one pointing a gun at our heads, my sisters had not been raped and my mother and father were not tortured. In fact my family were as happy as any other family; so purely based on the economic elements in our country my parents sought assistance from the Dutch government to migrate to Australia.
We spoke no English but most of our ethnic habits were not too far from the predominant Anglo Saxon community and our skin was white.
I particularly like the Julian Burnside business-plan that Jordan mentioned in her article. An economist friend once told me that for every person that comes to Australia and settles here at least two jobs are created; they all need food, clothes, houses, cars and like the rest of us a variety of services. Each time we have had an influx of migrants, our society has flourished. Unfortunately recent Australian governments have consistently propagandised us to fear these “boat people”. Burnside's plan has to be better than our current government who have stopped the boats by (allegedly) offering the people smugglers money to take them back. People smugglers would love this plan; first they get paid by the refugees and then by the Australian government. That seems like the ultimate repeat business opportunity.
John Mutsaers, Inverloch
I'm not racist but ...
August 2, 2015
The booing of Adam Goodes is clearly by a minority of the crowd. The rest can only sit mute and uncomfortable. What’s needed is an opportunity for them to voice their support of Goodes. Listening to the Ashes cricket commentary, I was surprised to hear what sounded like loud booing of English batsman Joe Root whenever he hit a boundary, until I realised the crowd were singing “ROOOO-OOOO-OOT”. A sustained “GOOOO-OOOO-OODES” call would incorporate and drown out the boos.
Catherine Watson, Wonthaggi
The stuff of democracy
August 1, 2015
The monthly forum of Community Plus continues its winter break in August. The next meeting will be on September 7 with Bass MP Brian Paynter as the guest speaker.
On the ABC program Q&A last year, speakers lamented that there was no mechanism for public debate about important issues. Phillip Island has led the way in establishing such a forum with Community Plus.
Initiated by Cr Phil Wright with the support of Cr Andrew Phillips and often other councillors in attendance, this forum both informs the community and listens to their issues of importance.
Every opinion is heard, and we still manage to finish on time!
Bring your ideas to the table for discussion at Community Plus, from 7-9.30pm on the first Monday of the month at the Phillip Island Information Centre, Newhaven.
Mary Whelan, Cowes
Scabs in the pit
July 30, 2015
Visiting Coal Creek the other day, I was reminded of the article Scabs in the Pit when I stumbled across a headstone that that reads: "Here lie the ashes of Arthur 'Stag' Garrard, died October 1983 - aged 87. Responsible for breaking a miners strike at the Sunbeam Colliery in 1924."
A Leongatha and District Historical Society newsletter from 2005 tells the story:
"When the miners went back the management did not give Stan Garrard back his job. The miners went off the job in support of Stan. He was offered a job wheeling a barrow of coal from the mine near Ritchie Reserve to the town and to deliver it to people in the town. He took the job and wheeled the barrow loads of coal to town. He became a legend of the town.
"When he reached the top pub he was given a beer and at the barber shop he got a cigar. At the end of the day he left the barrow at the last place he delivered the coal to and went to the top pub. The mine manager found out where the barrow was and took it. Stan went to the police and reported the barrow stolen. The mine manager was told by the police to return the barrow, give the man back his job and get on with managing the mine or he would be charged with theft.
"When “Stag” Garrand died, his wish was that his ashes be buried at Coal Creek. His ashes are buried near the school."
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
Across the great divide
July 28, 2015
Tangerines is a grim, powerful and ultimately compassionate anti war film that examines up close the role of combatants who have waged horrible war at close quarters, even hand to hand combat, who then are forced to develop a wider knowledge and closer relationship with each other. I became invested with each character in the film, waiting to discover how this incredibly tense modern situational drama would be resolved. The end is not pretty, as life sometimes isn't. This film shows If we are forced to face our real and paper tigers, we find the things that bind us are more than those that divide us.
Kay Setches
In memoriam: footy, frolics and war
Yes, all those stories were true. Loch Stock and Barrel was started as a bachelor and spinsters ball to raise money to improve facilities at the rec reserve. There was always a little bit of "mischief " but never anything too serious. In today's politically correct world of rules and regulations it probably wouldn't be allowed by the relevant authorities. It's so hard for the young ones today to have a "good time". Some their fault, some society's. And how hard is it to try and raise money for worthy causes nowadays. We are doing our best to make "life" a little too hard for every body. Such a shame!
Andy Thomas
Time and tide
July 19, 2015
Thank you Linda, your description of your journeys are wonderful. Recently I went to Linda’s presentation of 500 Million Years on Phillip Island at the Heritage Centre. The presentation was informative and interesting. Keep up the great work.
Jan Fleming
Australian and militarism
July 14, 2015
Rod Gallagher is right, of course, you can't judge the actions of one hundred years ago by our standards, but you can judge our actions; and, speaking as a fairly recent blow-in from England, I would say that Australia seems to edging perilously close to celebrating those terrible events rather than commemorating them.
Mark Chevning, Wonthaggi
Playing with fire
July 10, 2015
I really liked the piece on Rowena Wallace … it seems about a year ago I was shopping in Wonthaggi and there was this lady wearing a lovely bright hot pink coat coming down the footpath, and I remarked to her spontaneously re the splendid colour, as I do not subscribe to the Melb “black brigade” with my choice of clothing colours. We proceeded into a dress shop at the same time, and her liquid throaty voice reminded me of Diane Cilento and I told her so, and she remarked that she had been a kindred soul so then we had a Port Douglas conversation – a place I frequented a lot in the eighties and nineties till it became “homogenised”.
The funny thing was that as we exchanged a few friendly remarks while looking at the clothing racks, with lovely fabrics but all a tad too young for either of us, it simply didn’t gell with me that it was in fact Rowena Wallace. Afterwards I was miffed that I’d not recognised her, and she mentioned having not been in the area long as I wished her well on parting. I generally recognise any face no matter what, but I daresay her long-term endurance of pain and my not having seen her for years, played a part in disguising any recognition.
I’m glad she is now in a marvellous role model scenario of encouraging young actors. I can only hope that she is in a more robust life scenario now. I do hope that she has found coming to live in a more rural setting like a breath of fresh air in this more recent chapter of her life, as everyone is bound to wish her well; and I look forward to more positive news of her triumphs.
Lee Tierney, Cowes
Refugees and us
June 27, 2015
Well-said, Julian Burnside and Jordan Crugnale. Not only does Jordan Crugnale’s neatly article sum up ‘a global humanitarian crisis’ that ‘requires a global response’ but tells how Australia ‘should lead by example’.
She points to Julian Burnside’s solution which not only involves treating people humanely and but also involved huge economic benefits because it would save the country $4.5 billion a year due to no longer having to maintain current off-shore detention centres and the like, and boost regional economies. He proposes that, after preliminary health and security checks, boat arrivals should be released into the community, with the right to work and to receive Centrelink and Medicare benefits, while their visa applications are processed.
Jordan Crugnale suggests that, as he also proposes they would be required to live in specified regional cities, Bass Coast Shire could also benefit. By taking in such asylum seekers, any government benefits they received would work for the benefit of the regional economy.
Meryl Tobin, Grantville
The sands of time
June 25, 2015
Thanks for the fascinating story on geomorphology and the nearby coastline. It's great to learn something quite new and gain insights into the really big picture of what goes on when ocean meets earth. It might be wise for coast dwelling communities like ours to acknowledge that there is something much, much bigger going on with sand and beaches, and that this eternal phenomenon dwarfs our immediate desire to walk and play by the sea.
Linda Gordon, Wonthaggi
June 25, 2015
Thanks for reporting on the meeting so effectively.
As a followup, I will draw your attention to the book A Coastal Retreat P.I.R.G., 1977 which details the historical coastal reserve utilisation process dating back to the turn of the last century with much written about Inverloch.
Ed Thexton, Inverloch
June 25, 2015
Professor David Kennedy’s presentation was excellent and has great relevance to the ongoing debate about expanding the Hastings Port precinct.
Most notable was his observation that wherever man interferes with coastal processes, via building too close to the water and thereby having to install sea walls, they inevitably either collapse or the immediately adjacent coastline generally suffers extreme erosion. This is especially true in areas with strong tides, such as Western Port
Local examples of this are the north end of the sea wall at Pier Road, Grantville, the collapsed sea wall near Malcolm Drive, Grantville, and the eastern end of the massive rock wall at San Remo. The end of the sea wall built at Portsea after the Port Phillip channel deepening is another example.
So if the planned expansion at Hastings ever went ahead, (five kilometres long and 500 metres out into the bay), what else could this ever be but a “massive sea wall” that would do untold damage to the Ramsar-protected coastline either side of it.
We can only hope that the warnings Mother Nature has given us via the above “scale models” will be heeded.
Kevin Chambers, The Gurdies
The stuff of democracy
June 14, 2015
For Phil Wright. Have you thought of holding the forum in Cowes for some meetings as it has a larger population and for myself do not drive far at night. Also is the main town of the island and may vary attendance and input.
Marilyn Shaw, Cowes
Thou shalt know thy place!
June 12, 2015
Thank you for Mike Whelan’s article – I must congratulate him on a very nice piece of writing. We can’t have enough of his sane pointers.
Lee Tierney, Cowes
June 7, 2015
I really enjoyed Michael's piece about Indigenous and Women's rights. It was a well thought out piece of writing, with touches of sarcasm that made his points quite well.
It is a sad thing that people are still treated as though they have to conform and that White Australia seems to be the only ones with a voice and that a masculine one. Yet it is nice to hear that same voice being used by Michael to speak out on behalf of those who are often overlooked.
Jacqui Paulson
‘Call me Joan’
June 12, 2015
I came late to this weeks Bass Coast Post and was so grateful I did not let
it pass me by. Great stories well written abound. None more so than the tribute
to Joan Kirner (Call me Joan). Many articles of praise and acknowledgement
appeared in our newspapers but for me Catherine Watson's article shone the
brightest of them all. Joan achieved so much for our region I think we have every
right to embrace her in memory as one of us.
Bob Middleton, Jeetho West
June 8, 2015
Thank you Catherine for the two wonderful articles about Joan Kirner. The story of Darryl and Margaret Hook brought the success of Landcare to our own backyard in Bass.
Identifying a problem and being open to the best ideas to get a solution were obviously a strength of Joan. No pretence and just a plain talker. Joan understood answers need to benefit more than just one group, hence her partnership with Heather Mitchell. Incensed by the needs of those excluded by traditional management practices (eg the role of women in the teaching profession before equal pay) and the importance of preservation of the environment, Joan championed solutions because they stacked up.
The lesson here for us all is that no one has all the answers, a leader brings the good ideas together and sells the vision until enough people see the light and accept change.
Mary Whelan, Cowes
June 8, 2015
Great article on Joan. Imagine the Wonthaggi surrounds if there was no Landcare, conservation groups, environment stalwarts, rail trail, marine park, etc.
Also thanks to Joan, when I was left with four small children to raise alone, I returned to teaching just before Joan fought for Equal Pay for Equal Work. Even though I had missed years of ‘progress’ up the salary ladder, women were now given the same as men salary-wise. Remember before when women were to be married, they had to RESIGN from the Department!
Also full marks to Joan for fighting for merit and equity to be applied to panel choices in the teaching profession. I went from Band 1 (bottom of the heap) to Assistant Principal in one mighty bound. Women were no longer dragging behind the ‘blokes’ – if you could do the job you ‘got the job’.
What would you expect from the likes of Kennett and his cronies – they would deny it but to them women are a lesser species, and to vilify them is a ‘fair cop’.
Keep up the good work with the Bass Coast Post.
Yvonne McRae Wonthaggi
June 7, 2015
Nice article on Joan. You hit all the points. Her career demonstrated the shallowness of the pundits, the pointless viciousness of politics and the inexorable progress a tough individual can achieve.
Michael Whelan, Cowes
Another fine edition
June 7, 2015
Congratulations on another fine edition of the Bass Coast Post. The standard of each of your editions is so high, it is hard to find the time to both read and comment on each.
However, Michael Whelan must be congratulated and thanked for his brilliant analysis of attitudes to racism and domestic violence in Australia in his article ‘Thou Shalt Know Thy Place’. His last para is worth reading again and again until we get it right. Here it is again: ’If we are uncomfortable with Goodes’ action, or the rebuke from a woman campaigning for the victims of domestic violence, we need to acknowledge our appalling record in showing respect for these groups in our community. Then get over it and demand proper attention to the policy areas that address them.’
Congrats also to Geoff Ellis for his article on Darryl Hook and to Darryl and his wife Margaret for their great contribution to the environment. Geoff takes a quote from Darryl for the title of his article: ‘You can’t buy a farm just to watch the roos’. This outstanding feature draws attention to the need and ways to meet ‘the challenges of sustainability: environmental, financial and personal’.
Congratulations too, Catherine, on your perceptive look at Joan Kirner in ‘Call me Joan’. No matter what their individual politics, readers should be able to read the piece and appreciate what Victoria’s first and only woman premier to date achieved not just for our state but for women in politics and other walks of life.
May you long continue to publish your magazine.
Meryl Brown Tobin, Grantville
July 30, 2015
Visiting Coal Creek the other day, I was reminded of the article Scabs in the Pit when I stumbled across a headstone that that reads: "Here lie the ashes of Arthur 'Stag' Garrard, died October 1983 - aged 87. Responsible for breaking a miners strike at the Sunbeam Colliery in 1924."
A Leongatha and District Historical Society newsletter from 2005 tells the story:
"When the miners went back the management did not give Stan Garrard back his job. The miners went off the job in support of Stan. He was offered a job wheeling a barrow of coal from the mine near Ritchie Reserve to the town and to deliver it to people in the town. He took the job and wheeled the barrow loads of coal to town. He became a legend of the town.
"When he reached the top pub he was given a beer and at the barber shop he got a cigar. At the end of the day he left the barrow at the last place he delivered the coal to and went to the top pub. The mine manager found out where the barrow was and took it. Stan went to the police and reported the barrow stolen. The mine manager was told by the police to return the barrow, give the man back his job and get on with managing the mine or he would be charged with theft.
"When “Stag” Garrand died, his wish was that his ashes be buried at Coal Creek. His ashes are buried near the school."
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
Across the great divide
July 28, 2015
Tangerines is a grim, powerful and ultimately compassionate anti war film that examines up close the role of combatants who have waged horrible war at close quarters, even hand to hand combat, who then are forced to develop a wider knowledge and closer relationship with each other. I became invested with each character in the film, waiting to discover how this incredibly tense modern situational drama would be resolved. The end is not pretty, as life sometimes isn't. This film shows If we are forced to face our real and paper tigers, we find the things that bind us are more than those that divide us.
Kay Setches
In memoriam: footy, frolics and war
Yes, all those stories were true. Loch Stock and Barrel was started as a bachelor and spinsters ball to raise money to improve facilities at the rec reserve. There was always a little bit of "mischief " but never anything too serious. In today's politically correct world of rules and regulations it probably wouldn't be allowed by the relevant authorities. It's so hard for the young ones today to have a "good time". Some their fault, some society's. And how hard is it to try and raise money for worthy causes nowadays. We are doing our best to make "life" a little too hard for every body. Such a shame!
Andy Thomas
Time and tide
July 19, 2015
Thank you Linda, your description of your journeys are wonderful. Recently I went to Linda’s presentation of 500 Million Years on Phillip Island at the Heritage Centre. The presentation was informative and interesting. Keep up the great work.
Jan Fleming
Australian and militarism
July 14, 2015
Rod Gallagher is right, of course, you can't judge the actions of one hundred years ago by our standards, but you can judge our actions; and, speaking as a fairly recent blow-in from England, I would say that Australia seems to edging perilously close to celebrating those terrible events rather than commemorating them.
Mark Chevning, Wonthaggi
Playing with fire
July 10, 2015
I really liked the piece on Rowena Wallace … it seems about a year ago I was shopping in Wonthaggi and there was this lady wearing a lovely bright hot pink coat coming down the footpath, and I remarked to her spontaneously re the splendid colour, as I do not subscribe to the Melb “black brigade” with my choice of clothing colours. We proceeded into a dress shop at the same time, and her liquid throaty voice reminded me of Diane Cilento and I told her so, and she remarked that she had been a kindred soul so then we had a Port Douglas conversation – a place I frequented a lot in the eighties and nineties till it became “homogenised”.
The funny thing was that as we exchanged a few friendly remarks while looking at the clothing racks, with lovely fabrics but all a tad too young for either of us, it simply didn’t gell with me that it was in fact Rowena Wallace. Afterwards I was miffed that I’d not recognised her, and she mentioned having not been in the area long as I wished her well on parting. I generally recognise any face no matter what, but I daresay her long-term endurance of pain and my not having seen her for years, played a part in disguising any recognition.
I’m glad she is now in a marvellous role model scenario of encouraging young actors. I can only hope that she is in a more robust life scenario now. I do hope that she has found coming to live in a more rural setting like a breath of fresh air in this more recent chapter of her life, as everyone is bound to wish her well; and I look forward to more positive news of her triumphs.
Lee Tierney, Cowes
Refugees and us
June 27, 2015
Well-said, Julian Burnside and Jordan Crugnale. Not only does Jordan Crugnale’s neatly article sum up ‘a global humanitarian crisis’ that ‘requires a global response’ but tells how Australia ‘should lead by example’.
She points to Julian Burnside’s solution which not only involves treating people humanely and but also involved huge economic benefits because it would save the country $4.5 billion a year due to no longer having to maintain current off-shore detention centres and the like, and boost regional economies. He proposes that, after preliminary health and security checks, boat arrivals should be released into the community, with the right to work and to receive Centrelink and Medicare benefits, while their visa applications are processed.
Jordan Crugnale suggests that, as he also proposes they would be required to live in specified regional cities, Bass Coast Shire could also benefit. By taking in such asylum seekers, any government benefits they received would work for the benefit of the regional economy.
Meryl Tobin, Grantville
The sands of time
June 25, 2015
Thanks for the fascinating story on geomorphology and the nearby coastline. It's great to learn something quite new and gain insights into the really big picture of what goes on when ocean meets earth. It might be wise for coast dwelling communities like ours to acknowledge that there is something much, much bigger going on with sand and beaches, and that this eternal phenomenon dwarfs our immediate desire to walk and play by the sea.
Linda Gordon, Wonthaggi
June 25, 2015
Thanks for reporting on the meeting so effectively.
As a followup, I will draw your attention to the book A Coastal Retreat P.I.R.G., 1977 which details the historical coastal reserve utilisation process dating back to the turn of the last century with much written about Inverloch.
Ed Thexton, Inverloch
June 25, 2015
Professor David Kennedy’s presentation was excellent and has great relevance to the ongoing debate about expanding the Hastings Port precinct.
Most notable was his observation that wherever man interferes with coastal processes, via building too close to the water and thereby having to install sea walls, they inevitably either collapse or the immediately adjacent coastline generally suffers extreme erosion. This is especially true in areas with strong tides, such as Western Port
Local examples of this are the north end of the sea wall at Pier Road, Grantville, the collapsed sea wall near Malcolm Drive, Grantville, and the eastern end of the massive rock wall at San Remo. The end of the sea wall built at Portsea after the Port Phillip channel deepening is another example.
So if the planned expansion at Hastings ever went ahead, (five kilometres long and 500 metres out into the bay), what else could this ever be but a “massive sea wall” that would do untold damage to the Ramsar-protected coastline either side of it.
We can only hope that the warnings Mother Nature has given us via the above “scale models” will be heeded.
Kevin Chambers, The Gurdies
The stuff of democracy
June 14, 2015
For Phil Wright. Have you thought of holding the forum in Cowes for some meetings as it has a larger population and for myself do not drive far at night. Also is the main town of the island and may vary attendance and input.
Marilyn Shaw, Cowes
Thou shalt know thy place!
June 12, 2015
Thank you for Mike Whelan’s article – I must congratulate him on a very nice piece of writing. We can’t have enough of his sane pointers.
Lee Tierney, Cowes
June 7, 2015
I really enjoyed Michael's piece about Indigenous and Women's rights. It was a well thought out piece of writing, with touches of sarcasm that made his points quite well.
It is a sad thing that people are still treated as though they have to conform and that White Australia seems to be the only ones with a voice and that a masculine one. Yet it is nice to hear that same voice being used by Michael to speak out on behalf of those who are often overlooked.
Jacqui Paulson
‘Call me Joan’
June 12, 2015
I came late to this weeks Bass Coast Post and was so grateful I did not let
it pass me by. Great stories well written abound. None more so than the tribute
to Joan Kirner (Call me Joan). Many articles of praise and acknowledgement
appeared in our newspapers but for me Catherine Watson's article shone the
brightest of them all. Joan achieved so much for our region I think we have every
right to embrace her in memory as one of us.
Bob Middleton, Jeetho West
June 8, 2015
Thank you Catherine for the two wonderful articles about Joan Kirner. The story of Darryl and Margaret Hook brought the success of Landcare to our own backyard in Bass.
Identifying a problem and being open to the best ideas to get a solution were obviously a strength of Joan. No pretence and just a plain talker. Joan understood answers need to benefit more than just one group, hence her partnership with Heather Mitchell. Incensed by the needs of those excluded by traditional management practices (eg the role of women in the teaching profession before equal pay) and the importance of preservation of the environment, Joan championed solutions because they stacked up.
The lesson here for us all is that no one has all the answers, a leader brings the good ideas together and sells the vision until enough people see the light and accept change.
Mary Whelan, Cowes
June 8, 2015
Great article on Joan. Imagine the Wonthaggi surrounds if there was no Landcare, conservation groups, environment stalwarts, rail trail, marine park, etc.
Also thanks to Joan, when I was left with four small children to raise alone, I returned to teaching just before Joan fought for Equal Pay for Equal Work. Even though I had missed years of ‘progress’ up the salary ladder, women were now given the same as men salary-wise. Remember before when women were to be married, they had to RESIGN from the Department!
Also full marks to Joan for fighting for merit and equity to be applied to panel choices in the teaching profession. I went from Band 1 (bottom of the heap) to Assistant Principal in one mighty bound. Women were no longer dragging behind the ‘blokes’ – if you could do the job you ‘got the job’.
What would you expect from the likes of Kennett and his cronies – they would deny it but to them women are a lesser species, and to vilify them is a ‘fair cop’.
Keep up the good work with the Bass Coast Post.
Yvonne McRae Wonthaggi
June 7, 2015
Nice article on Joan. You hit all the points. Her career demonstrated the shallowness of the pundits, the pointless viciousness of politics and the inexorable progress a tough individual can achieve.
Michael Whelan, Cowes
Another fine edition
June 7, 2015
Congratulations on another fine edition of the Bass Coast Post. The standard of each of your editions is so high, it is hard to find the time to both read and comment on each.
However, Michael Whelan must be congratulated and thanked for his brilliant analysis of attitudes to racism and domestic violence in Australia in his article ‘Thou Shalt Know Thy Place’. His last para is worth reading again and again until we get it right. Here it is again: ’If we are uncomfortable with Goodes’ action, or the rebuke from a woman campaigning for the victims of domestic violence, we need to acknowledge our appalling record in showing respect for these groups in our community. Then get over it and demand proper attention to the policy areas that address them.’
Congrats also to Geoff Ellis for his article on Darryl Hook and to Darryl and his wife Margaret for their great contribution to the environment. Geoff takes a quote from Darryl for the title of his article: ‘You can’t buy a farm just to watch the roos’. This outstanding feature draws attention to the need and ways to meet ‘the challenges of sustainability: environmental, financial and personal’.
Congratulations too, Catherine, on your perceptive look at Joan Kirner in ‘Call me Joan’. No matter what their individual politics, readers should be able to read the piece and appreciate what Victoria’s first and only woman premier to date achieved not just for our state but for women in politics and other walks of life.
May you long continue to publish your magazine.
Meryl Brown Tobin, Grantville
‘You can’t buy a farm just to watch the roos’
June 7, 2015
Thanks Daryl for sharing your farm and philosophies about sustainability! Must plant a line of trees up our driveway now that I've been motivated - took out the aggies some years ago and the bareness would benefit the ground, environment and 'the eye'.
Not only are you a fabulous farmer - you're an enthusiastic circle dancer - please don't stop either!!
Sue Packham
Still spoiling for a fight
June 7, 2015
I am a little late in commenting on this great article but I wanted to commend Frank's insight and was glad to read something which didn't glorify Anzac Day. This year we were bombarded with photos and regalia, due in part to the 100 year anniversary. Yet it was really a celebration and that in itself is a frightful thing.
What are we doing glorifying war? What are we doing making an act of aggression something noble? Of course the young men and women who died, did so for what they perceived as a noble cause, but is it? How can the slaughter of so many in any way be something that we want to honour?
The speeches, the marches, the ridiculous statements that these men and women are protecting our freedom, all glorify war and all cause other men and women to sign up and give their lives. But what are they giving their lives for? Not for freedom, not for defense, not for what is right, although that is what they believe. They give their freedom because somebody somewhere is greedy and wants more and unlike in the days of old, where the kings led the way in battle, now the rich stay home and send the poor out to fight.
Make a new rule that those who want to declare war, lead the charge and lets see how many want to follow that road then.
I do not mean any disrespect to those who have fought but I can no longer abide the lies that are told in glorifying their deaths and the pretense that what they did was a necessary action.
Thanks Frank, for not just towing the company line and for raising valid points that are often overlooked in the media warmongering.
Jacqui Paulson
April 30, 2015
Before Federation we sent forces to two overseas conflicts: HMCSS Victoria participated in the Maori Wars and a NSW contingent fought against the "Mad Mahdi" in the Sudan in 1885.
In 1900 Mr Henry Bourne Higgins rose from his seat in the Victorian Legislative Assembly. The Government was deciding to send a contingent of Victorians to support the British fight against rebellious Chinese. Higgins, doubting the wisdom of the decision stated that "The people will be wanting to know whether we in these colonies are to be expected to volunteer each time to contribute valuable lives and money in aid of wars which may not interest us directly".
Higgins went on to become Federal Attorney General and, more famously, as Arbitration Commissioner bought down the Sunshine Harvester decision that set the first minimum wage standard in Australia.
Our soldiers returned from The War in South Africa in 1902. Australia was a young nation. We have since lost many brave soldiers in foreign fields. Across the distance of time some campaigns, such as the fight against the "Bolsheviks" in 1919, might seem unjustified.
Soldiers go where we send them. When a Prime Minister talks about "sending the troops" he does so because we have elected him to that position. The overall lesson is that we need to be careful about who we choose to lead us.
Many service people return to us bearing the scars, physical and psychological, of their service to Australia. We don't always look after them well. How many World War 1 veterans lived for decades, crippled and bed ridden, hidden away in Anzac Hostels and private homes? The nature of war has changed greatly but the effect on those who serve is still devastating.
Roy Longmore was one of the last of the original Anzacs. His great-granddaughter, Carly Longmore said, at his funeral service in Melbourne, "It is unbelievable to think that Roy has lived with 87 years of graphic memories of those bloody battles of war. Eighty-seven years of waking up every morning and continuing life as normal, 87 years of being nothing less than a hero, 87 years of never once complaining of it."
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
April 27, 2015
What a disingenuous, jaundiced and cowardly view of history. No doubt this man would bend his knee to tyranny provided he kept his life. You apparently have no concept of duty, responsibility and honour.
The article has simply cherry picked a few supposed truths relating to war to suit a personal point of view based on a distorted premise.
I suppose you see yourself as a pacifist. As a Vietnam Veteran I say you are not. But I do know that all of the Veterans I know and come in contact with as a Veterans pension and welfare officer are pacifists.
Australia has never actively pursued or declared war on other countries as you suggest in your article. You make much of propaganda in your article with no reference to German propaganda in World War One.
Your view insults this country which gives you the comfort and security to freely express you views.
Rod Gallagher (Vietnam Veteran), Inverloch
April 26, 2015
When I saw the introduction to this article yesterday, ANZAC Day, I was saddened then disappointed and then angry.
I think it is wrong that the article has started with a quote by “Tony Abbott” as it implies he is the protagonist in this story and shows a certain amount of bias, thereby damaging your story. It would have been more correct to quote the “Prime Minister of Australia”. I also remember our meeting at Tank Hill, Frank, when you recognised my surname and asked me for any stories I may have about the hardships my distant ancestor may have experienced after the war. I only remember his courage.
The government department responsible for our sailors, soldiers and air personnel is called the Department of Defence, not the department of offence. War is not pretty and it is too easy to dredge up examples of how brutal and, ultimately, futile it is. In these times of negative journalism, how about we try to find some positives in the world. Even war has positives like freeing people from oppression and cruelty, creating employment either as a soldier or working in factories making supplies and, yes, munitions or on the land. Many medical advances were also made. Nobody wants to go to war, including those trained for it. Until human nature is such that it has learned to live together, accepting everyone’s differences, there will continue to be differences. Until there is more equality in the world, there will continue to be disputes.
The shape of the world has changed significantly since 1914 and surely it is the responsibility of all nations to ensure that the people of the world can live in peace, without persecution. If you saw a bully beating up someone in the street, would you ignore the person’s distress and cross to the other side of the road or would you go to their assistance? If you were the one being beaten up, would you want someone to help you?
I was saddened that such an article was published on a day when we were commemorating and remembering those who were merely doing their job, in the service of their country. It reminded me of the reception our soldiers, returning from the Vietnam conflict, received by the government and citizens of the day, it was atrocious. As far as the atrocities during WWI are concerned, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we knew back then what we know today?
Pamela Jacka, Wonthaggi
F28367 L/cpl P. R. Jacka WRAAC Ret’d
Advance Australia Fair & God Defend New Zealand
April 26, 2015
A marvellous article by Frank Coldebella, giving a much more nuanced historical view of the Anzac story. It is a great reminder to see the pressure put on those poor young fellows to enlist in a war they in fact knew nothing about, and the bitterness and disillusion of so many who returned. Not to mentioned the damaged lives of those around them.
I expect that very few of those fostering this modern myth of the noble heroes fighting for our freedom would like to hear about the reality.
Jenny Skewes, Ventnor
April 26, 2015
Thank you Frank Coldebella. You stated what I have been thinking but with great research. Ted Matthews is right and we should listen to the message from those who were there. There is a reason governments jump eagerly into war. In the present case it is to hide a deeply unpopular government. Spend a few young lads lives and look like an action prime minister.
Michael Whelan, Cowes
April 26, 2015
Great story, Frank. We need to reappraise the idea that our country was born in an act of war.
Andrew Shaw, Brisbane
April 26, 2015
Thank you Frank for speaking out with courage and passion in a truly Australian way. It is great to be reminded at this time that the freedom to call it as we see it is a privilege to be treasured, and how essential it is in securing our future as an open and fair society.
Tim Shannon, Ventnor.
April 26, 2015
Thanks, Frank, for some great research and your insights on Australian warmongering. Reading the newspapers of 1914-15 now, one is struck by the clownish absurdity of the anti-German, anti-Turkish propaganda but in 1915 only those with an intellectual support base – principally unions and socialist organisations – could have seen through the barrage of jingoism in the newspapers, from the pulpits and from Australia’s political leaders. What courage it must have taken for an isolated young man to resist the taunts, the threats and most of all the emotional blackmail about “mates calling from Gallipoli”.
I was about to say we’re more sceptical today but perhaps I’m kidding myself. In 2065, Australians will be as astonished by the jingoism that led to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, although at least in 2003 there were plenty of opposing voices heard. We are still trying to pick sides in wars that we don’t understand and sending young people to pay the price for our ignorance.
Catherine Watson, Wonthaggi
Port opponents get in early
May 30, 2015
Thanks for giving exposure to our recent comments and the motion passed by Bass Coast Council.
I wanted to comment on the comment from the Liberal MP for Bass, Brian Paynter:
“In the meantime, I will dedicate my time to engaging with stakeholders such as Preserve Western Port to fully understand the concerns regarding any future development of the Port of Hastings."
I find this rhetoric disappointing. Clearly the comment is to give the impression that Brian is not aware of community and industry concerns regarding the Hastings container port proposal put forward by his party at the last election. I find this comment totally without foundation as myself and others in the community spent considerable time and effort with Brian Paynter in pointing out the concerns with the policy.
Rather than give the impression of ignorance on the issues Brian could accept the failed policy and ensure that his party abolishes the policy as soon as possible.
Jeff Nottle, chairman, Preserve Western Port Action Group
Utopia and the town at Mussel Rocks
May 19, 2015
I have just finished my submission re. The Draft Report on the Cowes Activity Centre Plan & sent it off to Council, in my submission & also at the info tent a few weeks ago I commented on the fact that there are numerous Plans for revamping, updating or remodelling the Cowes township or the Cowes Cultural Centre.
I have attended many workshops on this subject over the years & what has happened to all the different reports? nothing, they have just been "shelved" & are quitely gathering dust, so sorry Tim, Christine was perfectly correct this plan is the latest in a long line of such reports certainly not the first.
Pauline Taylor
May 17, 2015
I have to disagree with Tim Shannon, who implies, or rather states, that there has been no public consultation in planning on Phillip Island before the Cowes Activity Plan process. On the contrary, there have been many instances of public participation in the planning process, not the least of which was the defining of town boundaries.
Christine Grayden
Tales from the Hill
May 17, 2015
I nearly choked on my coffee when I saw a "Brian Paynter" credit in this week's issue and then I read it ... what a great idea! That really worked. Well done; what a great way to humanise our elected representatives and provide insight into the process of government. More of this and less of the three word slogans, please.
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
May 17, 2015
Thank you for your thoughts Brian. They are like a breath of fresh air. Look forward to working together.
Mary and Mick O'Keeffe
May 17, 2015
It’s good to see our new local Opposition MP Mr Brian Paynter doing his job in local media and opposing Government policy, and advocating to Government MPs to “get on with it”, but sadly, facts get in the way on the issue of the combined $46 million in Wonthaggi Coalition pre-election promises made by Mr Paynter’s Liberals.
They were only made in the dying days of the election campaign. The spectacle of senior Liberals such as the then premier and health minister doing flying electorate visits to a previously rock-solid Liberal seat just might have had something to with the way their local polling was going and surely is “panic policy:” writ large. They’d only had four long years to do something about both the hospital and school project and had done precisely nothing.
With 20 per cent of the Bass electorate voting for candidates opposed to the Liberals' Hastings container port project, forcing Mr Paynter to go to preferences to win the seat, it is very likely the $46 million was only promised due to the fact that the good people of Bass were strongly opposed to this project.
Until the Libs scrap the Hastings project, Brian Paynter will struggle to win the respect and support of enough Bass electors to regain the seat under similar conditions to that prevailing before the last election.
Kevin Chambers, The Gurdies
What about a vision?
May 17, 2015
Michael don't expect any visionary thinking from either of the major parties as they must answer to the "highest bidder". Maybe it's about time the people took back control of our government system and got rid of party political rabble that presently govern us.
Leigh Phillips
Marcia Brown, 1942-2015
May 17, 2015
Love BCPost. Marcia was a truly great Australian. She will be missed. Great article Terri.
Daryl Hook
Fields of broken dreams
May 16, 2015
My husband and I have been coming to Queensland to find seasonal work for the past two years. The first year there was plenty of work and we met many other Australians as well as backpackers from around the world, all hard working people. But the second year there was a dramatic change as cheap labour took over the job market. We could not compete for jobs when Asian workers were accepting payment of just $50 per day for 12 hours a day working in jobs that used to go to Australians.
These imported workers do not have the living costs we do, are crammed into substandard housing and accept conditions we would not. If I accepted the pay rate offered would I be able to afford to pay my car registration and running costs, the accommodation and food costs, health insurance and other things necessary for my lifestyle? I think not. We are rapidly losing jobs up here and there is now a growing subculture of poverty among Australian itinerant workers. Unfortunately I can only see the situation getting worse as more imported workers flood into the country and more jobs are lost to us and we are left living in the fields of broken dreams.
Janice Orchard
Courage, my friends
April 23, 2015
Thank you, Linda. Your beautifully written, humane essay goes to the heart of the matter. But why, we need to ask ourselves, do so many homes not provide the ideal you describe? In my volunteering role I have seen some very sad situations over years, yet felt powerless to intervene, and guilty at not doing so.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
April 19, 2015
Thanks Linda Gordon for putting your "… wish list for aged care for the frail and vulnerable elderly" so clearly. Your list corresponds to my dream of care in my less able time down the track of life - though I fervently hope not to need it.
Sue PackhamApril 23, 2015
Chinese patience wearing thin
April 23, 2015
Thank you, Catherine, for the update to the Kernot dairy factory saga. Mr Harry Wang's offer to begin slowly is no comfort as he means to achieve his barn and full bottling plant in the future.
Does Mr Wang not understand “'way of life”? Does he only understand economics, expansion and profits?
He says “Australia has so much potential and so many spare resources”. The green hills are not resources, they are green hills and they are not spare. It is the same as calling a national park or the Great Barrier Reef “spare resources”.
Our earth is a finite planet with finite lands and capabilities. It is illogical to want to grow infinitely on a finite planet. Instead we need to decrease our consumption and population and live within our earthly means.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
Second-class Anzacs
April 19, 2015
The speech by Phillip Island RSL President, Tom Mallaghan, at the opening of the Anzac Commemoration Week was timely and relevant, as we reflect on our nation’s values and future, one hundred years after Gallipoli.
Australia cannot move forward with pride until we acknowledge that part of our history when there was dispossession of Aboriginal lands, the removal of their children and the treatment and non-recognition of Aboriginal servicemen who served their country in war-time.
The public acknowledgement by the President of this part of our nation’s history should evoke shame and regret and inspire the support of the recognition of the first Australians in our Constitution.
Anne Davie, Ventnor
Set for a bigger stage
April 18, 2015
On Palm Sunday, I saw a play called Stormy Waters performed by a group of Bass Coast residents under the direction of Gill Heal who researched and wrote the piece. The venue, Wesley Church, in Lonsdale Street Melbourne, was packed to capacity.
The play was a most amazing piece of theatre showing all the boat arrivals into Australia from the first fleet up to our latest refugees, putting the whole existence of Australia and its inhabitants into historical and dramatic context.
The performers were excellent and the narrative was well supported by slides of facts and visual reminders. The songs were touchingly and beautifully sung and the audience was visibly moved.
Enough said. It got its message across. I will long remember Stormy Waters and look forward to a sequel, Safe Harbours.
Audrey Davies, Rosanna
June 7, 2015
Thanks Daryl for sharing your farm and philosophies about sustainability! Must plant a line of trees up our driveway now that I've been motivated - took out the aggies some years ago and the bareness would benefit the ground, environment and 'the eye'.
Not only are you a fabulous farmer - you're an enthusiastic circle dancer - please don't stop either!!
Sue Packham
Still spoiling for a fight
June 7, 2015
I am a little late in commenting on this great article but I wanted to commend Frank's insight and was glad to read something which didn't glorify Anzac Day. This year we were bombarded with photos and regalia, due in part to the 100 year anniversary. Yet it was really a celebration and that in itself is a frightful thing.
What are we doing glorifying war? What are we doing making an act of aggression something noble? Of course the young men and women who died, did so for what they perceived as a noble cause, but is it? How can the slaughter of so many in any way be something that we want to honour?
The speeches, the marches, the ridiculous statements that these men and women are protecting our freedom, all glorify war and all cause other men and women to sign up and give their lives. But what are they giving their lives for? Not for freedom, not for defense, not for what is right, although that is what they believe. They give their freedom because somebody somewhere is greedy and wants more and unlike in the days of old, where the kings led the way in battle, now the rich stay home and send the poor out to fight.
Make a new rule that those who want to declare war, lead the charge and lets see how many want to follow that road then.
I do not mean any disrespect to those who have fought but I can no longer abide the lies that are told in glorifying their deaths and the pretense that what they did was a necessary action.
Thanks Frank, for not just towing the company line and for raising valid points that are often overlooked in the media warmongering.
Jacqui Paulson
April 30, 2015
Before Federation we sent forces to two overseas conflicts: HMCSS Victoria participated in the Maori Wars and a NSW contingent fought against the "Mad Mahdi" in the Sudan in 1885.
In 1900 Mr Henry Bourne Higgins rose from his seat in the Victorian Legislative Assembly. The Government was deciding to send a contingent of Victorians to support the British fight against rebellious Chinese. Higgins, doubting the wisdom of the decision stated that "The people will be wanting to know whether we in these colonies are to be expected to volunteer each time to contribute valuable lives and money in aid of wars which may not interest us directly".
Higgins went on to become Federal Attorney General and, more famously, as Arbitration Commissioner bought down the Sunshine Harvester decision that set the first minimum wage standard in Australia.
Our soldiers returned from The War in South Africa in 1902. Australia was a young nation. We have since lost many brave soldiers in foreign fields. Across the distance of time some campaigns, such as the fight against the "Bolsheviks" in 1919, might seem unjustified.
Soldiers go where we send them. When a Prime Minister talks about "sending the troops" he does so because we have elected him to that position. The overall lesson is that we need to be careful about who we choose to lead us.
Many service people return to us bearing the scars, physical and psychological, of their service to Australia. We don't always look after them well. How many World War 1 veterans lived for decades, crippled and bed ridden, hidden away in Anzac Hostels and private homes? The nature of war has changed greatly but the effect on those who serve is still devastating.
Roy Longmore was one of the last of the original Anzacs. His great-granddaughter, Carly Longmore said, at his funeral service in Melbourne, "It is unbelievable to think that Roy has lived with 87 years of graphic memories of those bloody battles of war. Eighty-seven years of waking up every morning and continuing life as normal, 87 years of being nothing less than a hero, 87 years of never once complaining of it."
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
April 27, 2015
What a disingenuous, jaundiced and cowardly view of history. No doubt this man would bend his knee to tyranny provided he kept his life. You apparently have no concept of duty, responsibility and honour.
The article has simply cherry picked a few supposed truths relating to war to suit a personal point of view based on a distorted premise.
I suppose you see yourself as a pacifist. As a Vietnam Veteran I say you are not. But I do know that all of the Veterans I know and come in contact with as a Veterans pension and welfare officer are pacifists.
Australia has never actively pursued or declared war on other countries as you suggest in your article. You make much of propaganda in your article with no reference to German propaganda in World War One.
Your view insults this country which gives you the comfort and security to freely express you views.
Rod Gallagher (Vietnam Veteran), Inverloch
April 26, 2015
When I saw the introduction to this article yesterday, ANZAC Day, I was saddened then disappointed and then angry.
I think it is wrong that the article has started with a quote by “Tony Abbott” as it implies he is the protagonist in this story and shows a certain amount of bias, thereby damaging your story. It would have been more correct to quote the “Prime Minister of Australia”. I also remember our meeting at Tank Hill, Frank, when you recognised my surname and asked me for any stories I may have about the hardships my distant ancestor may have experienced after the war. I only remember his courage.
The government department responsible for our sailors, soldiers and air personnel is called the Department of Defence, not the department of offence. War is not pretty and it is too easy to dredge up examples of how brutal and, ultimately, futile it is. In these times of negative journalism, how about we try to find some positives in the world. Even war has positives like freeing people from oppression and cruelty, creating employment either as a soldier or working in factories making supplies and, yes, munitions or on the land. Many medical advances were also made. Nobody wants to go to war, including those trained for it. Until human nature is such that it has learned to live together, accepting everyone’s differences, there will continue to be differences. Until there is more equality in the world, there will continue to be disputes.
The shape of the world has changed significantly since 1914 and surely it is the responsibility of all nations to ensure that the people of the world can live in peace, without persecution. If you saw a bully beating up someone in the street, would you ignore the person’s distress and cross to the other side of the road or would you go to their assistance? If you were the one being beaten up, would you want someone to help you?
I was saddened that such an article was published on a day when we were commemorating and remembering those who were merely doing their job, in the service of their country. It reminded me of the reception our soldiers, returning from the Vietnam conflict, received by the government and citizens of the day, it was atrocious. As far as the atrocities during WWI are concerned, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we knew back then what we know today?
Pamela Jacka, Wonthaggi
F28367 L/cpl P. R. Jacka WRAAC Ret’d
Advance Australia Fair & God Defend New Zealand
April 26, 2015
A marvellous article by Frank Coldebella, giving a much more nuanced historical view of the Anzac story. It is a great reminder to see the pressure put on those poor young fellows to enlist in a war they in fact knew nothing about, and the bitterness and disillusion of so many who returned. Not to mentioned the damaged lives of those around them.
I expect that very few of those fostering this modern myth of the noble heroes fighting for our freedom would like to hear about the reality.
Jenny Skewes, Ventnor
April 26, 2015
Thank you Frank Coldebella. You stated what I have been thinking but with great research. Ted Matthews is right and we should listen to the message from those who were there. There is a reason governments jump eagerly into war. In the present case it is to hide a deeply unpopular government. Spend a few young lads lives and look like an action prime minister.
Michael Whelan, Cowes
April 26, 2015
Great story, Frank. We need to reappraise the idea that our country was born in an act of war.
Andrew Shaw, Brisbane
April 26, 2015
Thank you Frank for speaking out with courage and passion in a truly Australian way. It is great to be reminded at this time that the freedom to call it as we see it is a privilege to be treasured, and how essential it is in securing our future as an open and fair society.
Tim Shannon, Ventnor.
April 26, 2015
Thanks, Frank, for some great research and your insights on Australian warmongering. Reading the newspapers of 1914-15 now, one is struck by the clownish absurdity of the anti-German, anti-Turkish propaganda but in 1915 only those with an intellectual support base – principally unions and socialist organisations – could have seen through the barrage of jingoism in the newspapers, from the pulpits and from Australia’s political leaders. What courage it must have taken for an isolated young man to resist the taunts, the threats and most of all the emotional blackmail about “mates calling from Gallipoli”.
I was about to say we’re more sceptical today but perhaps I’m kidding myself. In 2065, Australians will be as astonished by the jingoism that led to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, although at least in 2003 there were plenty of opposing voices heard. We are still trying to pick sides in wars that we don’t understand and sending young people to pay the price for our ignorance.
Catherine Watson, Wonthaggi
Port opponents get in early
May 30, 2015
Thanks for giving exposure to our recent comments and the motion passed by Bass Coast Council.
I wanted to comment on the comment from the Liberal MP for Bass, Brian Paynter:
“In the meantime, I will dedicate my time to engaging with stakeholders such as Preserve Western Port to fully understand the concerns regarding any future development of the Port of Hastings."
I find this rhetoric disappointing. Clearly the comment is to give the impression that Brian is not aware of community and industry concerns regarding the Hastings container port proposal put forward by his party at the last election. I find this comment totally without foundation as myself and others in the community spent considerable time and effort with Brian Paynter in pointing out the concerns with the policy.
- Brian had a copy of the Preserve Western Port discussion paper. He made reference to it during his campaign and in meetings. This document, and the research that underpins it, raises a number of key concerns of community, industry and environmentalists.
- Brian attended a Community Plus meeting prior to the election where community members raised key issues.
- Brian was aware of our media releases in the lead up to the election that outlined key concerns.
- I am sure that Brian would have visited the PWP website, which contains information including key concerns and media releases.
- I personally spoke to Brian on several occasions and discussed key concerns.
- Brian was provided with a copy of our PWP "storey book", which included photos of erosion, details of the proposed port as well as images of expected increased tidal flows.
- PWP members including our secretary had discussions with Brian on key concerns.
Rather than give the impression of ignorance on the issues Brian could accept the failed policy and ensure that his party abolishes the policy as soon as possible.
Jeff Nottle, chairman, Preserve Western Port Action Group
Utopia and the town at Mussel Rocks
May 19, 2015
I have just finished my submission re. The Draft Report on the Cowes Activity Centre Plan & sent it off to Council, in my submission & also at the info tent a few weeks ago I commented on the fact that there are numerous Plans for revamping, updating or remodelling the Cowes township or the Cowes Cultural Centre.
I have attended many workshops on this subject over the years & what has happened to all the different reports? nothing, they have just been "shelved" & are quitely gathering dust, so sorry Tim, Christine was perfectly correct this plan is the latest in a long line of such reports certainly not the first.
Pauline Taylor
May 17, 2015
I have to disagree with Tim Shannon, who implies, or rather states, that there has been no public consultation in planning on Phillip Island before the Cowes Activity Plan process. On the contrary, there have been many instances of public participation in the planning process, not the least of which was the defining of town boundaries.
Christine Grayden
Tales from the Hill
May 17, 2015
I nearly choked on my coffee when I saw a "Brian Paynter" credit in this week's issue and then I read it ... what a great idea! That really worked. Well done; what a great way to humanise our elected representatives and provide insight into the process of government. More of this and less of the three word slogans, please.
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
May 17, 2015
Thank you for your thoughts Brian. They are like a breath of fresh air. Look forward to working together.
Mary and Mick O'Keeffe
May 17, 2015
It’s good to see our new local Opposition MP Mr Brian Paynter doing his job in local media and opposing Government policy, and advocating to Government MPs to “get on with it”, but sadly, facts get in the way on the issue of the combined $46 million in Wonthaggi Coalition pre-election promises made by Mr Paynter’s Liberals.
They were only made in the dying days of the election campaign. The spectacle of senior Liberals such as the then premier and health minister doing flying electorate visits to a previously rock-solid Liberal seat just might have had something to with the way their local polling was going and surely is “panic policy:” writ large. They’d only had four long years to do something about both the hospital and school project and had done precisely nothing.
With 20 per cent of the Bass electorate voting for candidates opposed to the Liberals' Hastings container port project, forcing Mr Paynter to go to preferences to win the seat, it is very likely the $46 million was only promised due to the fact that the good people of Bass were strongly opposed to this project.
Until the Libs scrap the Hastings project, Brian Paynter will struggle to win the respect and support of enough Bass electors to regain the seat under similar conditions to that prevailing before the last election.
Kevin Chambers, The Gurdies
What about a vision?
May 17, 2015
Michael don't expect any visionary thinking from either of the major parties as they must answer to the "highest bidder". Maybe it's about time the people took back control of our government system and got rid of party political rabble that presently govern us.
Leigh Phillips
Marcia Brown, 1942-2015
May 17, 2015
Love BCPost. Marcia was a truly great Australian. She will be missed. Great article Terri.
Daryl Hook
Fields of broken dreams
May 16, 2015
My husband and I have been coming to Queensland to find seasonal work for the past two years. The first year there was plenty of work and we met many other Australians as well as backpackers from around the world, all hard working people. But the second year there was a dramatic change as cheap labour took over the job market. We could not compete for jobs when Asian workers were accepting payment of just $50 per day for 12 hours a day working in jobs that used to go to Australians.
These imported workers do not have the living costs we do, are crammed into substandard housing and accept conditions we would not. If I accepted the pay rate offered would I be able to afford to pay my car registration and running costs, the accommodation and food costs, health insurance and other things necessary for my lifestyle? I think not. We are rapidly losing jobs up here and there is now a growing subculture of poverty among Australian itinerant workers. Unfortunately I can only see the situation getting worse as more imported workers flood into the country and more jobs are lost to us and we are left living in the fields of broken dreams.
Janice Orchard
Courage, my friends
April 23, 2015
Thank you, Linda. Your beautifully written, humane essay goes to the heart of the matter. But why, we need to ask ourselves, do so many homes not provide the ideal you describe? In my volunteering role I have seen some very sad situations over years, yet felt powerless to intervene, and guilty at not doing so.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
April 19, 2015
Thanks Linda Gordon for putting your "… wish list for aged care for the frail and vulnerable elderly" so clearly. Your list corresponds to my dream of care in my less able time down the track of life - though I fervently hope not to need it.
Sue PackhamApril 23, 2015
Chinese patience wearing thin
April 23, 2015
Thank you, Catherine, for the update to the Kernot dairy factory saga. Mr Harry Wang's offer to begin slowly is no comfort as he means to achieve his barn and full bottling plant in the future.
Does Mr Wang not understand “'way of life”? Does he only understand economics, expansion and profits?
He says “Australia has so much potential and so many spare resources”. The green hills are not resources, they are green hills and they are not spare. It is the same as calling a national park or the Great Barrier Reef “spare resources”.
Our earth is a finite planet with finite lands and capabilities. It is illogical to want to grow infinitely on a finite planet. Instead we need to decrease our consumption and population and live within our earthly means.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
Second-class Anzacs
April 19, 2015
The speech by Phillip Island RSL President, Tom Mallaghan, at the opening of the Anzac Commemoration Week was timely and relevant, as we reflect on our nation’s values and future, one hundred years after Gallipoli.
Australia cannot move forward with pride until we acknowledge that part of our history when there was dispossession of Aboriginal lands, the removal of their children and the treatment and non-recognition of Aboriginal servicemen who served their country in war-time.
The public acknowledgement by the President of this part of our nation’s history should evoke shame and regret and inspire the support of the recognition of the first Australians in our Constitution.
Anne Davie, Ventnor
Set for a bigger stage
April 18, 2015
On Palm Sunday, I saw a play called Stormy Waters performed by a group of Bass Coast residents under the direction of Gill Heal who researched and wrote the piece. The venue, Wesley Church, in Lonsdale Street Melbourne, was packed to capacity.
The play was a most amazing piece of theatre showing all the boat arrivals into Australia from the first fleet up to our latest refugees, putting the whole existence of Australia and its inhabitants into historical and dramatic context.
The performers were excellent and the narrative was well supported by slides of facts and visual reminders. The songs were touchingly and beautifully sung and the audience was visibly moved.
Enough said. It got its message across. I will long remember Stormy Waters and look forward to a sequel, Safe Harbours.
Audrey Davies, Rosanna
Farmers exodus mystifies Chinese dairyman
April 14, 2015
I am all for trade and especially trade with China. It’s important that things are clear so unproductive behaviours do not surface in an unfortunate manner.
I have done some research on the Ningbo Dairy Group. They do indeed have a fresh milk strategy. NBDG differentiates itself from other milk producers in China in this regard. Frankly it would be hard to make money if you didn't.
A litre of domestic UHT milk in a tetra pack sells for about 12 RMB (A$2). Imported UHT is 20-22 RMB (A$4.20-$4.60). It would be interesting to see how that price is divided up between farmers, importers and retailers. There might be some barriers to distribution in there as well that restrict supply (because local milk is not trusted and foreign milk is very popular)
The feedlots at NBDG are industrial (modelled on North American practices). Cows last about five years. They are milked twice a day and reportedly fed a lot of imported feed from the US and Australia.
Kernot is a very valuable source of new cows ... at half the local price.
Harry Wang's comment about cheap farms perhaps needs to be put into perspective.
The profitability of Chinese investments in Australian agribusiness have, I think, been pretty poor in terms of return on invested capital. However, those cows are obviously worth a lot in China so you could analyse this from a transfer angle (exporting profit, water, etc).
The question a lot of locals might ask in response to Harry Wang's comment is if selling milk in China is such a great business, why are we not doing it? The answer is that market access is asymmetric. Australian businesses would not be able to buy a Kernot equivalent in China (there is no such thing as freehold for a start) and they would have a lot of difficulty establishing a retail operation. There are a lot more than laws at play here.
Partnering up is the only way that Sino-Australian agribusiness will work. In order to reduce monopoly power, Aussie farmer should form co-operatives, pool resources and get themselves up to speed.
Name withheld by request
Time is getting on
March 22, 2015
I’m much closer now to 70 than Martin Flanigan’s 60 and yes the “years have taken some toll”, eg. I’m sure I have financed a couple of physio’s/chiro’s kids private education, due to my creaky old back …
However even if “the bod” ain't what it used to be, if us “mature types” keep the old brain box active, then to me that’s half the battle on the way to somewhere well past the “use by date” of previous generations.
Like almost all of us, my life and values have been heavily influenced by my parents. My lovely Mum Florence was an inspiration. She loved life and all its aspects, especially her family and her legion of friends and was always up for a laugh and did not care one whit if it was at her expense. She lived til her early 80’s and until she finally became ill was still going at a furious pace for her age. Many of your more “mature readers” around the San Remo will remember her, I’m sure
I worked with my father Ernie in the family business for 30 plus years and his most unfortunate “life lesson” for me was that having devoted almost all of his working years to the business, when the time came to retire, he had not developed any interests outside the business, so perhaps even with a genetic tendency to develop dementia/Alzheimer’s, the fact his brain was so idle, it very likely became even more susceptible to this awful disease. Sure he “lived” into his 80’s too, if you can call such an existence a “life”.
So I swore black and blue I would not repeat his awful experience and having now been retired for 12 years, have not let any grass grow under my “granpa nap” chairs..
Kevin Chambers
Small joys
March 22, 2015
But why have I not discovered Miriam's beautiful writings before?
Now I have read them all, I feel joyful, loving, lighthearted, motivated, thankful and grateful that I am able to call Miriam a friend. Thank you for the giving and beauty you share.
I cannot resist quoting Khalil Gibran on giving:
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
Maria’s story
April 3, 2015
Thank you, Linda. Your story brings back memories of life with our mother aftershe was diagnosed with dementia. Maria was a fortunate lady.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
March 22, 2015
Thank you Linda, a story of care and love so beautifully told.
In what appears to be a week of reflection on aging and aged care
I doubt if I will read anything more moving.
Bob Middleton, Jeetho West
Worst council yet, says Brown
March 17, 2015
The Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser is an independent newspaper.
The Advertiser’s role is to inform the community. Content that is of interest to the community is news and will find available space in our publication.
We are in the interest of reporting without fear or favour – to all sides. All the Bass Shire’s responses to Alan Brown’s story have also run (unedited) in our paper.
We can only give a voice to the people we hear from. Public debate from different perspectives is what makes our community interesting.
Natasha Crestani, Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser
Everyone’s a loser
March 15, 2015
I am totally over people who make comment about things they most often know nothing about, only what they read or hear second hand, which is not always unbiased. They don't come up with solutions.
Tell me what dairy farmers should do with many thousands of calves born every year. If an average sized herd of cows is 300 which is conservative, and that herd produced for example 66% of them as bull or unwanted calves each year, and over an estimated ten year period that would be close to three million calves. Average dairy farm size in Gippsland is 108 hectares and this land is to make hay, keep milkers and replacements eg. calves up to 2 years when they would then become milkers. My question of those so called knowledgeable people is where would the farmers keep that many animals with that amount of land if that many calves were kept? How would they feed them? Give me the answers to those questions.
If the dairy farmers out there all closed down, how would we feed the people and what would that do to Gippsland's economy? And please tell me how you know a cow is unhappy? Some of my cows were the best pets I ever had!
It makes me think of the people who protest against chopping down trees but still live in timber framed houses. They didn't offer solutions either.
Margaret Murray, ex dairy farmer, Maddingley
Down memory lane
March 15, 2015
Thank you Catherine for your dedication to responsible, fair, and balanced journalism, which is so important to all communities, but perhaps especially important to regional communities.
Last week I commented that I had confidence in the community's ability to know rubbish when they saw it, but on reflection, I worry that the ability to spot mischief does need the help of some independent eyes.
While the material that Alan Brown offered was clearly rubbish, presenting it as a press conference and dressing it up with a strident headline in a community paper was sheer Council bashing mischief.
Hopefully you have helped to repair some of the damage done and encouraged the community to be more discerning, and perhaps even suggested to them that they might give their Council a fair go.
Professor Tim Shannon, Ventnor
Thanks Catherine for an extremely well researched and well written history on Alan Brown’s time as mayor, and current political aspirations.
In view of the amount of space devoted to his comments in recent weeks, by both The Sentinel Times and the Phillip Island Advertiser, I call on them both to reproduce this article.
Mr Brown was rejected by voters at the last Council election, and with another 18 months of the current term to run, let’s hope we are not going to hear a weekly commentary from him until he runs again. It is becoming a little tiresome.
Roger Clark, Grantville
April 14, 2015
I am all for trade and especially trade with China. It’s important that things are clear so unproductive behaviours do not surface in an unfortunate manner.
I have done some research on the Ningbo Dairy Group. They do indeed have a fresh milk strategy. NBDG differentiates itself from other milk producers in China in this regard. Frankly it would be hard to make money if you didn't.
A litre of domestic UHT milk in a tetra pack sells for about 12 RMB (A$2). Imported UHT is 20-22 RMB (A$4.20-$4.60). It would be interesting to see how that price is divided up between farmers, importers and retailers. There might be some barriers to distribution in there as well that restrict supply (because local milk is not trusted and foreign milk is very popular)
The feedlots at NBDG are industrial (modelled on North American practices). Cows last about five years. They are milked twice a day and reportedly fed a lot of imported feed from the US and Australia.
Kernot is a very valuable source of new cows ... at half the local price.
Harry Wang's comment about cheap farms perhaps needs to be put into perspective.
The profitability of Chinese investments in Australian agribusiness have, I think, been pretty poor in terms of return on invested capital. However, those cows are obviously worth a lot in China so you could analyse this from a transfer angle (exporting profit, water, etc).
The question a lot of locals might ask in response to Harry Wang's comment is if selling milk in China is such a great business, why are we not doing it? The answer is that market access is asymmetric. Australian businesses would not be able to buy a Kernot equivalent in China (there is no such thing as freehold for a start) and they would have a lot of difficulty establishing a retail operation. There are a lot more than laws at play here.
Partnering up is the only way that Sino-Australian agribusiness will work. In order to reduce monopoly power, Aussie farmer should form co-operatives, pool resources and get themselves up to speed.
Name withheld by request
Time is getting on
March 22, 2015
I’m much closer now to 70 than Martin Flanigan’s 60 and yes the “years have taken some toll”, eg. I’m sure I have financed a couple of physio’s/chiro’s kids private education, due to my creaky old back …
However even if “the bod” ain't what it used to be, if us “mature types” keep the old brain box active, then to me that’s half the battle on the way to somewhere well past the “use by date” of previous generations.
Like almost all of us, my life and values have been heavily influenced by my parents. My lovely Mum Florence was an inspiration. She loved life and all its aspects, especially her family and her legion of friends and was always up for a laugh and did not care one whit if it was at her expense. She lived til her early 80’s and until she finally became ill was still going at a furious pace for her age. Many of your more “mature readers” around the San Remo will remember her, I’m sure
I worked with my father Ernie in the family business for 30 plus years and his most unfortunate “life lesson” for me was that having devoted almost all of his working years to the business, when the time came to retire, he had not developed any interests outside the business, so perhaps even with a genetic tendency to develop dementia/Alzheimer’s, the fact his brain was so idle, it very likely became even more susceptible to this awful disease. Sure he “lived” into his 80’s too, if you can call such an existence a “life”.
So I swore black and blue I would not repeat his awful experience and having now been retired for 12 years, have not let any grass grow under my “granpa nap” chairs..
Kevin Chambers
Small joys
March 22, 2015
But why have I not discovered Miriam's beautiful writings before?
Now I have read them all, I feel joyful, loving, lighthearted, motivated, thankful and grateful that I am able to call Miriam a friend. Thank you for the giving and beauty you share.
I cannot resist quoting Khalil Gibran on giving:
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
Maria’s story
April 3, 2015
Thank you, Linda. Your story brings back memories of life with our mother aftershe was diagnosed with dementia. Maria was a fortunate lady.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
March 22, 2015
Thank you Linda, a story of care and love so beautifully told.
In what appears to be a week of reflection on aging and aged care
I doubt if I will read anything more moving.
Bob Middleton, Jeetho West
Worst council yet, says Brown
March 17, 2015
The Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser is an independent newspaper.
The Advertiser’s role is to inform the community. Content that is of interest to the community is news and will find available space in our publication.
We are in the interest of reporting without fear or favour – to all sides. All the Bass Shire’s responses to Alan Brown’s story have also run (unedited) in our paper.
We can only give a voice to the people we hear from. Public debate from different perspectives is what makes our community interesting.
Natasha Crestani, Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser
Everyone’s a loser
March 15, 2015
I am totally over people who make comment about things they most often know nothing about, only what they read or hear second hand, which is not always unbiased. They don't come up with solutions.
Tell me what dairy farmers should do with many thousands of calves born every year. If an average sized herd of cows is 300 which is conservative, and that herd produced for example 66% of them as bull or unwanted calves each year, and over an estimated ten year period that would be close to three million calves. Average dairy farm size in Gippsland is 108 hectares and this land is to make hay, keep milkers and replacements eg. calves up to 2 years when they would then become milkers. My question of those so called knowledgeable people is where would the farmers keep that many animals with that amount of land if that many calves were kept? How would they feed them? Give me the answers to those questions.
If the dairy farmers out there all closed down, how would we feed the people and what would that do to Gippsland's economy? And please tell me how you know a cow is unhappy? Some of my cows were the best pets I ever had!
It makes me think of the people who protest against chopping down trees but still live in timber framed houses. They didn't offer solutions either.
Margaret Murray, ex dairy farmer, Maddingley
Down memory lane
March 15, 2015
Thank you Catherine for your dedication to responsible, fair, and balanced journalism, which is so important to all communities, but perhaps especially important to regional communities.
Last week I commented that I had confidence in the community's ability to know rubbish when they saw it, but on reflection, I worry that the ability to spot mischief does need the help of some independent eyes.
While the material that Alan Brown offered was clearly rubbish, presenting it as a press conference and dressing it up with a strident headline in a community paper was sheer Council bashing mischief.
Hopefully you have helped to repair some of the damage done and encouraged the community to be more discerning, and perhaps even suggested to them that they might give their Council a fair go.
Professor Tim Shannon, Ventnor
Thanks Catherine for an extremely well researched and well written history on Alan Brown’s time as mayor, and current political aspirations.
In view of the amount of space devoted to his comments in recent weeks, by both The Sentinel Times and the Phillip Island Advertiser, I call on them both to reproduce this article.
Mr Brown was rejected by voters at the last Council election, and with another 18 months of the current term to run, let’s hope we are not going to hear a weekly commentary from him until he runs again. It is becoming a little tiresome.
Roger Clark, Grantville
Action plan to revive shire’s fortunes
March 15, 2015
Thank you Paul Buckley. I wrote a piece for the Bass Coast Post last year expressing concern at the innocence of the ambitions of those Islanders wishing to Stand Alone. Your thoughtful background to the basis for the 10 Year Plan serves also as crystal clear advice to the Community that an isolated Phillip Island would struggle to survive in the future that it faces.
Thanks to you and the editor of the Bass Coast Post, the community is at last being provided with the clear and unbiased information they need to understand the reality of the times, the challenges of the future, and some of the influences of the past.
Hopefully, the Community can now get behind their elected Councillors and their Council Officers, and give encouragement and considered guidance in the best interests of all.
Professor Tim Shannon, Ventnor
Milk, the Aussie way
March 11, 2015
Thank you for such an informative and courageous article. Like many people I was fooled for years by pictures of seemingly happy cows on the side of my morning milk carton and even felt I was somehow being a good Australian by supporting the dairy industry. Then I discovered some of the facts you detail in your article and it became impossible for me to consume dairy products without the knowledge that I was complicit in the cruelty these animals suffer.
Now I am a vegan and it’s the best choice I’ve ever made.
Sue Saliba, Cowes, Phillip Island
March 11, 2015
It's getting more and more complicated to buy food but in a good way, I think. There are moral, environmental, health and financial considerations (I may have left one out) to be weighed up each time we shop. Thanks for the overdue heads up on dairy farming. We probably had an inkling but preferred not to look too closely. Armed with the information the next step is to try and support ethical, sustainable farming across all sectors.
Linda Gordon, Wonthaggi
March 10, 2015
Thank you Catherine for an enlightening article. We let farm animals down though we are their custodians. We betray our duty toward them.
People close to us mistreated cows. I complained to the people. They yelled at me. I alerted the RSPCA with no result. I wrote to the humane society and donated money with no result.
I do not eat meat, drink milk or eat cheese.
Next time someone hears about an association which protects farm animals having a meeting, please let me know. I would like to support such an association.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
March 9, 2015
As someone who used to have to get cows to step backwards off a slowly spinning concrete platform I agree wholeheartedly with your article about the dairy industry. If consumers knew how hard life is for dairy cows, even on farms run with the kindest of intentions, they would be more willing to pay extra to take the pressure off farmers. Actually, if this information was disseminated widely many people would give up milk entirely. And probably stop eating veal.
Although animals raised for the beef industry are also subject to an unnatural lifestyle, if all goes well they only have one really bad day rather than suffering through an ongoing series of indignities and injuries.
The article on McMillan was also timely. This community needs to take the action outlined in this article. It is just shameful to have that name attached to this area for any reason!
Keep up the good work, I'm saving the rest of this edition till tomorrow.
Geoff Ellis, Wattlebank
March 9, 2015
Thank you Catherine for the story. It is shameful the way the dairy industry treats cows and their calves. While we have multi-national corporations that run most of the production here and globally, what safeguards do these animals have? Feed lots are unnatural. The cruelty that is shown by taking day-old calves from their mothers is beyond belief. Surely there is a better way.
It is impossible for me not to feel emotional about these issues. There is no place for cruelty to animals in our supposedly enlightened society.
Jan Fleming
March 8, 2015
Wow I never really thought enough about the life of a dairy cow. I love my dairy products but I want to receive them in as humane way as possible. Very thought provoking. We can only insist on more humane practices where we can as much as we can. Thanks Catherine
Tim Wilson, Wonthaggi
Worst council yet, says Brown
March 10, 2015
Thank you for your scrutiny of Alan Brown’s diatribe. I love reading the local papers for the flavour of the Island and sense of Bass Coast community they convey but this effort left me laughing at the irony of his sweeping assertions for the greater good.
I couldn’t help reflecting on his Liberal party's policy to destroy Western Port through the Hastings port development, not forgetting the aborted subdivision attempt with Cadogans farm in Ventnor. Be aware of his agenda with council elections.
We “enlightened” modern-day Phillip Islanders don’t want a tip – tips are 19th century waste management. We are much happier seeing the land revegetated and extending the Rhyll Inlet and swamp. We are into recycling and conservation of resources.
Anne Paul, Ventnor
March 9, 2015
I was heartened to read the article. I am glad the Bass Coast Post is brave enough to point out the background of the complainant. You included many facts that weren't cited in the "mainland" printed press. These facts show the real intent behind the comments. Has the 2016 council election campaign already started?
Geoff Ellis, Wattlebank
March 8, 2015
I am quite comfortable that the broad community can tell rubbish when they see it, and are most likely tiring of it.
Professor Tim Shannon, Ventnor
March 8, 2015
Oh dear Mr Brown get your facts straight. Where are you getting such incorrect information? How dare you insult so many people who work very hard. What gives you the right to do that. Absolutely nothing to be gained from your misinformation, nothing.
Margaret Murray
Not in our name
March 9, 2015
We totally agree that the name of the Federal seat of McMillan needs to be changed as Angus McMillan was responsible for the Gippsland Massacres. We have written to Russell Broadbent suggesting that the name be changed and did not receive a response. Russell Broadbent also needs to change.
We agree that the name of the electorate be changed to The Gunai/Kurnai electorate in respect to our Aboriginal forebears.
Frank & Mary Schooneveldt, Wonthaggi
March 9, 2015
The article on McMillan was also timely. This community needs to take the action outlined in this article. It is just shameful to have that name attached to this area for any reason!
Geoff Ellis, Wattlebank
Cat tales
March 8, 2015
I couldn’t agree more with Carmen Bush about the need to contain cats within the property.
We had a cat who was the greatest bird catcher ever – even though she wore every possible bell, whistle and flashing light we could find to hang around her neck - and who was in ever-present danger from local traffic.
We hated the thought of keeping her inside permanently, and so installed a fabulous system of varying size and shape interconnecting cages which she accessed through her cat door in the laundry anytime she desired. In these cages she could look down on the world from a great height, play tiger in the long grass or stretch full length to warm her tummy in the sun.
I can highly recommend this way of keeping cats contained on the property.
Jennie Deane, Inverloch
March 8, 2015
Carmen, Thank you for such a thoughtful article. I also came to Bass Coast from the Yarra Ranges Shire and had, in fact, rescued a tiny Russian Blue cross who had been dumped on the expensive cat food shelf at Belgrave's Safeway! The vet reckoned he was five weeks old and could barely lap!
He grew into the most gorgeous companion for both me and my young poodle. They cuddled up together and slept together. I called him "Meecieman" and, boy, was he a great mouser!
We moved down here to Bass Coast Shire and, in the fullness of time Rosie died. Meecieman survived helping to clear all the mice and rats every autumn ... Still one of the most loving animal companions I've ever had.
Rescuing a poorly treated male poodle who needed love and guidance resulted in enormous jealousy and, in spite of my precautions, Meecieman was killed by this poodle. He was 22 years at the time and, thank goodness , the killing was swift!
I have never dared to own another cat and I miss their special kind of loving. They are beautiful , loving and intelligent creatures who can be trained to live reasonably confined lives.
Maureen Sherrin, Wonthaggi
An 'Unfortunate' Accident
March 2, 2015
I enjoyed Carolyn Landon's story. It reminded me of a potential disaster which almost occurred in the late 1950s.
The State Coal Mine also had a central explosives store. Presumably, each mine kept a stock for their immediate use, but the the bulk of explosives stock was kept in 'The Magazine'. The Magazine was located in scrubland north of the power station, not far from the west area road and the west area coal haulage rope-road.
In the late 1950s, four mines were operating at Wonthaggi: 20 Shaft, West Area, Kirrak and the small Miram's Tunnel. If the Kilcunda powder magazine housed 200kg or so of gelegnite for use in a single small mine, then presumably the SCM's magazine held considerably more to service its four large mines.
One summer in the late 1950s a bushfire broke out, which by Wonthaggi's standards, was a large fire, probably bigger than any before or since. It took considerable time and effort to bring it under control.
The fire burnt an arc of scrubland west of the town, and as well as threatening houses at the edge of town, threatened the Mine Offices, Power Station, 5 Brace and all of the service buildings in their vicinity.
Worst of all, the fire threatened The Magazine. There was much fearful speculation about what would happen if The Magazine 'went up'.
Fortunately the fire was well fought and brought under control after causing minimal damage to property. But it was a close fought thing and a change of wind or some other setback could easily have resulted in a very big bang indeed.
Kit Sleeman
Questions remain on Kernot dairy venture
March 1, 2015
As an ex-dairy farm worker I commend the Bass Coast Post for its even handed coverage of the proposed Kernot Milk Factory. Foreign ownership of assets is always an emotionally charged issue. I hope that public debate isn’t dragged down to Pauline Hansonesque rhetoric.
However, let’s also hope that this project doesn’t follow the path of the Longyuan International purchase of Malmo Farm near Cobram. In 2008 they paid around $6 million for the 500-hectare property.
A few years later it was sold to the ACE Farming Company. At that time, Rosemary Hu, Longyuan International Manager, told the Australian Financial Review that "We lost money so we sold the farm…..We didn’t understand the management…..We don't want to invest in dairy farms any more, it's too hard.”
Given the high set up costs of the Kernot operation there will be enormous pressure to operate at minimum standards of animal welfare and employment conditions. Compliance to such standards could soon be much harder for outsiders to monitor if the proposed CRIMINAL CODE AMENDMENT (ANIMAL PROTECTION) BILL 2015 makes it through the Federal Parliament.
This Private Senator’s Bill passed its second reading in the Senate on February 11. It contains amendments that are counterproductive to their stated intent. They are designed to make it much harder for activists to expose systematic mistreatment of animals by imposing severe penalties for covertly holding onto evidence of such mistreatment.
I urge anybody who is interested in animal welfare to put pressure on our Federal representatives to carefully consider the implications of this Bill before it progresses through the democratic process.
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
February 27, 2015
Their proposed business model is based on putting an Australian (very high value) green image on a product they want to produce in Australia under Chinese control and (labour) costs. The frozen berry problems this week do nothing for their cause.
Pasteurised packaged milk from Australia, or produced by Chinese farms owned by overseas or strong branded companies, sells for between 50 and 100 per cent more than pasteurised milk from average Chinese farms.
Ian Teese, ITAgribusiness, Glen Waverley
(Mr Teese lived in Jiangsu province China, just north of Ningbo, for 20 months setting up a large dairy feedlot and milk pasteurising plant and spent more than four years working in China on agricultural development.)
February 25, 2015
Many thanks to Meryl Tobin for a detailed account of the Kernot Dairy Factory proposal.
It chills my blood.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
This is the life!
February 25, 2015
Many thanks to Julie Statkus for a brave recounting of a potential trauma. Wonderful advice to seek a second opinion if you do not like to first one.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
Set for a bigger stage
Congratulations to Gill Heal and talented actors for stating the point so poignantly. The pen is always mightier than misanthropy.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
March 15, 2015
Thank you Paul Buckley. I wrote a piece for the Bass Coast Post last year expressing concern at the innocence of the ambitions of those Islanders wishing to Stand Alone. Your thoughtful background to the basis for the 10 Year Plan serves also as crystal clear advice to the Community that an isolated Phillip Island would struggle to survive in the future that it faces.
Thanks to you and the editor of the Bass Coast Post, the community is at last being provided with the clear and unbiased information they need to understand the reality of the times, the challenges of the future, and some of the influences of the past.
Hopefully, the Community can now get behind their elected Councillors and their Council Officers, and give encouragement and considered guidance in the best interests of all.
Professor Tim Shannon, Ventnor
Milk, the Aussie way
March 11, 2015
Thank you for such an informative and courageous article. Like many people I was fooled for years by pictures of seemingly happy cows on the side of my morning milk carton and even felt I was somehow being a good Australian by supporting the dairy industry. Then I discovered some of the facts you detail in your article and it became impossible for me to consume dairy products without the knowledge that I was complicit in the cruelty these animals suffer.
Now I am a vegan and it’s the best choice I’ve ever made.
Sue Saliba, Cowes, Phillip Island
March 11, 2015
It's getting more and more complicated to buy food but in a good way, I think. There are moral, environmental, health and financial considerations (I may have left one out) to be weighed up each time we shop. Thanks for the overdue heads up on dairy farming. We probably had an inkling but preferred not to look too closely. Armed with the information the next step is to try and support ethical, sustainable farming across all sectors.
Linda Gordon, Wonthaggi
March 10, 2015
Thank you Catherine for an enlightening article. We let farm animals down though we are their custodians. We betray our duty toward them.
People close to us mistreated cows. I complained to the people. They yelled at me. I alerted the RSPCA with no result. I wrote to the humane society and donated money with no result.
I do not eat meat, drink milk or eat cheese.
Next time someone hears about an association which protects farm animals having a meeting, please let me know. I would like to support such an association.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
March 9, 2015
As someone who used to have to get cows to step backwards off a slowly spinning concrete platform I agree wholeheartedly with your article about the dairy industry. If consumers knew how hard life is for dairy cows, even on farms run with the kindest of intentions, they would be more willing to pay extra to take the pressure off farmers. Actually, if this information was disseminated widely many people would give up milk entirely. And probably stop eating veal.
Although animals raised for the beef industry are also subject to an unnatural lifestyle, if all goes well they only have one really bad day rather than suffering through an ongoing series of indignities and injuries.
The article on McMillan was also timely. This community needs to take the action outlined in this article. It is just shameful to have that name attached to this area for any reason!
Keep up the good work, I'm saving the rest of this edition till tomorrow.
Geoff Ellis, Wattlebank
March 9, 2015
Thank you Catherine for the story. It is shameful the way the dairy industry treats cows and their calves. While we have multi-national corporations that run most of the production here and globally, what safeguards do these animals have? Feed lots are unnatural. The cruelty that is shown by taking day-old calves from their mothers is beyond belief. Surely there is a better way.
It is impossible for me not to feel emotional about these issues. There is no place for cruelty to animals in our supposedly enlightened society.
Jan Fleming
March 8, 2015
Wow I never really thought enough about the life of a dairy cow. I love my dairy products but I want to receive them in as humane way as possible. Very thought provoking. We can only insist on more humane practices where we can as much as we can. Thanks Catherine
Tim Wilson, Wonthaggi
Worst council yet, says Brown
March 10, 2015
Thank you for your scrutiny of Alan Brown’s diatribe. I love reading the local papers for the flavour of the Island and sense of Bass Coast community they convey but this effort left me laughing at the irony of his sweeping assertions for the greater good.
I couldn’t help reflecting on his Liberal party's policy to destroy Western Port through the Hastings port development, not forgetting the aborted subdivision attempt with Cadogans farm in Ventnor. Be aware of his agenda with council elections.
We “enlightened” modern-day Phillip Islanders don’t want a tip – tips are 19th century waste management. We are much happier seeing the land revegetated and extending the Rhyll Inlet and swamp. We are into recycling and conservation of resources.
Anne Paul, Ventnor
March 9, 2015
I was heartened to read the article. I am glad the Bass Coast Post is brave enough to point out the background of the complainant. You included many facts that weren't cited in the "mainland" printed press. These facts show the real intent behind the comments. Has the 2016 council election campaign already started?
Geoff Ellis, Wattlebank
March 8, 2015
I am quite comfortable that the broad community can tell rubbish when they see it, and are most likely tiring of it.
Professor Tim Shannon, Ventnor
March 8, 2015
Oh dear Mr Brown get your facts straight. Where are you getting such incorrect information? How dare you insult so many people who work very hard. What gives you the right to do that. Absolutely nothing to be gained from your misinformation, nothing.
Margaret Murray
Not in our name
March 9, 2015
We totally agree that the name of the Federal seat of McMillan needs to be changed as Angus McMillan was responsible for the Gippsland Massacres. We have written to Russell Broadbent suggesting that the name be changed and did not receive a response. Russell Broadbent also needs to change.
We agree that the name of the electorate be changed to The Gunai/Kurnai electorate in respect to our Aboriginal forebears.
Frank & Mary Schooneveldt, Wonthaggi
March 9, 2015
The article on McMillan was also timely. This community needs to take the action outlined in this article. It is just shameful to have that name attached to this area for any reason!
Geoff Ellis, Wattlebank
Cat tales
March 8, 2015
I couldn’t agree more with Carmen Bush about the need to contain cats within the property.
We had a cat who was the greatest bird catcher ever – even though she wore every possible bell, whistle and flashing light we could find to hang around her neck - and who was in ever-present danger from local traffic.
We hated the thought of keeping her inside permanently, and so installed a fabulous system of varying size and shape interconnecting cages which she accessed through her cat door in the laundry anytime she desired. In these cages she could look down on the world from a great height, play tiger in the long grass or stretch full length to warm her tummy in the sun.
I can highly recommend this way of keeping cats contained on the property.
Jennie Deane, Inverloch
March 8, 2015
Carmen, Thank you for such a thoughtful article. I also came to Bass Coast from the Yarra Ranges Shire and had, in fact, rescued a tiny Russian Blue cross who had been dumped on the expensive cat food shelf at Belgrave's Safeway! The vet reckoned he was five weeks old and could barely lap!
He grew into the most gorgeous companion for both me and my young poodle. They cuddled up together and slept together. I called him "Meecieman" and, boy, was he a great mouser!
We moved down here to Bass Coast Shire and, in the fullness of time Rosie died. Meecieman survived helping to clear all the mice and rats every autumn ... Still one of the most loving animal companions I've ever had.
Rescuing a poorly treated male poodle who needed love and guidance resulted in enormous jealousy and, in spite of my precautions, Meecieman was killed by this poodle. He was 22 years at the time and, thank goodness , the killing was swift!
I have never dared to own another cat and I miss their special kind of loving. They are beautiful , loving and intelligent creatures who can be trained to live reasonably confined lives.
Maureen Sherrin, Wonthaggi
An 'Unfortunate' Accident
March 2, 2015
I enjoyed Carolyn Landon's story. It reminded me of a potential disaster which almost occurred in the late 1950s.
The State Coal Mine also had a central explosives store. Presumably, each mine kept a stock for their immediate use, but the the bulk of explosives stock was kept in 'The Magazine'. The Magazine was located in scrubland north of the power station, not far from the west area road and the west area coal haulage rope-road.
In the late 1950s, four mines were operating at Wonthaggi: 20 Shaft, West Area, Kirrak and the small Miram's Tunnel. If the Kilcunda powder magazine housed 200kg or so of gelegnite for use in a single small mine, then presumably the SCM's magazine held considerably more to service its four large mines.
One summer in the late 1950s a bushfire broke out, which by Wonthaggi's standards, was a large fire, probably bigger than any before or since. It took considerable time and effort to bring it under control.
The fire burnt an arc of scrubland west of the town, and as well as threatening houses at the edge of town, threatened the Mine Offices, Power Station, 5 Brace and all of the service buildings in their vicinity.
Worst of all, the fire threatened The Magazine. There was much fearful speculation about what would happen if The Magazine 'went up'.
Fortunately the fire was well fought and brought under control after causing minimal damage to property. But it was a close fought thing and a change of wind or some other setback could easily have resulted in a very big bang indeed.
Kit Sleeman
Questions remain on Kernot dairy venture
March 1, 2015
As an ex-dairy farm worker I commend the Bass Coast Post for its even handed coverage of the proposed Kernot Milk Factory. Foreign ownership of assets is always an emotionally charged issue. I hope that public debate isn’t dragged down to Pauline Hansonesque rhetoric.
However, let’s also hope that this project doesn’t follow the path of the Longyuan International purchase of Malmo Farm near Cobram. In 2008 they paid around $6 million for the 500-hectare property.
A few years later it was sold to the ACE Farming Company. At that time, Rosemary Hu, Longyuan International Manager, told the Australian Financial Review that "We lost money so we sold the farm…..We didn’t understand the management…..We don't want to invest in dairy farms any more, it's too hard.”
Given the high set up costs of the Kernot operation there will be enormous pressure to operate at minimum standards of animal welfare and employment conditions. Compliance to such standards could soon be much harder for outsiders to monitor if the proposed CRIMINAL CODE AMENDMENT (ANIMAL PROTECTION) BILL 2015 makes it through the Federal Parliament.
This Private Senator’s Bill passed its second reading in the Senate on February 11. It contains amendments that are counterproductive to their stated intent. They are designed to make it much harder for activists to expose systematic mistreatment of animals by imposing severe penalties for covertly holding onto evidence of such mistreatment.
I urge anybody who is interested in animal welfare to put pressure on our Federal representatives to carefully consider the implications of this Bill before it progresses through the democratic process.
Geoff Ellis, Wattle Bank
February 27, 2015
Their proposed business model is based on putting an Australian (very high value) green image on a product they want to produce in Australia under Chinese control and (labour) costs. The frozen berry problems this week do nothing for their cause.
Pasteurised packaged milk from Australia, or produced by Chinese farms owned by overseas or strong branded companies, sells for between 50 and 100 per cent more than pasteurised milk from average Chinese farms.
Ian Teese, ITAgribusiness, Glen Waverley
(Mr Teese lived in Jiangsu province China, just north of Ningbo, for 20 months setting up a large dairy feedlot and milk pasteurising plant and spent more than four years working in China on agricultural development.)
February 25, 2015
Many thanks to Meryl Tobin for a detailed account of the Kernot Dairy Factory proposal.
It chills my blood.
- The “comfort of cattle” means locking them up in stalls for much of their lives. The proposed increase of cattle will ensure this. That is my primary concern.
- The antibiotics that would be used will seep into our waterways. The unsprayed vegetables we grow may end up full of antibiotics which could enter our food chain in other ways.
- The increase of traffic into the area will be significant.
- The granting of this permit will create a precedent for how many others? That will change the nature of our silent clean area?
- The track record of the Chinese industries in not good.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
This is the life!
February 25, 2015
Many thanks to Julie Statkus for a brave recounting of a potential trauma. Wonderful advice to seek a second opinion if you do not like to first one.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
Set for a bigger stage
Congratulations to Gill Heal and talented actors for stating the point so poignantly. The pen is always mightier than misanthropy.
Felicia Di Stefano, Glen Forbes
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Our disappearing gardens
February 1, 2015 I totally agree with Anne Heath Mennell about the importance of gardens. I now live in a most beautiful part of inverloch surrounded by trees and bush land. Every day I feel peaceful, joyous, and grateful as I share our garden, and its changing colours and moods, with birds and the occasional koala and echidna. I hope these articles will encourage more people to recognise the value of a garden when planning or remodelling their new home. Jennie Deane, Inverloch |
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February 1, 2015
Well Anne, you can thank Catherine Watson for putting her finger on something that seems to go to our very core of well being. Gardens, public and private, their care and their appreciation, bring pleasure to all ages, races, religions, and walks of life; thank you for reminding us all.
Tim Shannon, Ventnor
South Gippsland snapshots
February 1, 2015
These thoughtful evocative snapshots of the area I now live in were the highlight of my Australia Day this year. I loved the fact that they were so inclusive of the many people who have lived in South Gippsland. The snapshots touched a nerve for me. Congratulations to them and to Gill.
I'd also like to mention that it is wonderful to have an online vehicle like this to share her written words. It is a pity that our local newspapers would probably not choose to publish them in their entirety. They are deserving of a very wide audience including young and old, online users and the many others who for various reasons are not able to access them online or were not present at the ceremony. Great work, Catherine Watson and the basscoastpost.
A final thought ... prompted by Gill's thought-provoking scholarship, I noticed an omission at the Australia Day ceremony. There was no recognition of or salutation to the tradititional owners of our lands by the hosts and organisers. In fact I have never seen any take place before a formality in South Gippsland. Why is this the case?
Marie Gerrard-Staton
French Island follies
January 1, 2015
I smiled continually as I read Anne Paul's article on French Island because it brought back numerous memories of taking the 1st Greenhills Scout Group on a cycling tour about 30 years ago.
By the time we got to Tankerton Jetty it was dark with a single light at its end and the timbers on the jetty running the same direction as the bicycle wheels, which caught a few boys by surprise, but no serious falls occurred. However, that was nothing compared to the trip in the dark to our first camp site through soft sand and unknown territory. It seemed to take forever and I'm not sure we actually found our camp site. We all slept well that night.
We woke up next morning to a lovely clear sky and after breakfast headed off to Mount Wellington??? which was an ascent of about 96m. It took its toll on some of the boys as we ploughed through the sandy roads. But we made it and enjoyed the banter along the way. However, the news had got around that we were there and the mosquitoes relished our company and NEW BLOOD.
Next the abandoned prison complex was heaven for the boys as they scurried about the place speculating what it would have been like there. It hardly seemed like a prison at such a nice location with heaps of pelicans looking like bomber command as they swooped in or took off, a wonderful sight.
Our next encounter was waterlogged roads, which did make a change from cycling through sand. However, we were suddenly in mozzie country and they came at us in droves. Well, we had invaded their territory!
It was with relief that we came across civilisation in the form of a cafe or was it a general store? Whatever it was, the boys bought the shop out of its stock of lollies and the leaders had a nice cup of tea and possibly a scone or two.
We didn't see a great deal of French Island's wildlife other than the occasional koala but that's probably due to the noise of the scouts as they wobbled, slapped and complained travelling across terrain quite different fromthe made streets of Greensborough.
Upon leaving the island, it became obvious that we had caught the right ferry because we were allowed on to it but another group of people to their dismay were left on the jetty because they had booked on a competing ferry that had already left and were told it was "their bad luck they had chosen the wrong ferry"
I'm sure that the island has changed for the better in some regards but hope that it can retain its quiet and natural state. There aren't too many places like it and where would the mozzies go if industry was allowed to encroach onto its shores. Perhaps a Mortein research centre would be appropriate.
Noel Withers
Well Anne, you can thank Catherine Watson for putting her finger on something that seems to go to our very core of well being. Gardens, public and private, their care and their appreciation, bring pleasure to all ages, races, religions, and walks of life; thank you for reminding us all.
Tim Shannon, Ventnor
South Gippsland snapshots
February 1, 2015
These thoughtful evocative snapshots of the area I now live in were the highlight of my Australia Day this year. I loved the fact that they were so inclusive of the many people who have lived in South Gippsland. The snapshots touched a nerve for me. Congratulations to them and to Gill.
I'd also like to mention that it is wonderful to have an online vehicle like this to share her written words. It is a pity that our local newspapers would probably not choose to publish them in their entirety. They are deserving of a very wide audience including young and old, online users and the many others who for various reasons are not able to access them online or were not present at the ceremony. Great work, Catherine Watson and the basscoastpost.
A final thought ... prompted by Gill's thought-provoking scholarship, I noticed an omission at the Australia Day ceremony. There was no recognition of or salutation to the tradititional owners of our lands by the hosts and organisers. In fact I have never seen any take place before a formality in South Gippsland. Why is this the case?
Marie Gerrard-Staton
French Island follies
January 1, 2015
I smiled continually as I read Anne Paul's article on French Island because it brought back numerous memories of taking the 1st Greenhills Scout Group on a cycling tour about 30 years ago.
By the time we got to Tankerton Jetty it was dark with a single light at its end and the timbers on the jetty running the same direction as the bicycle wheels, which caught a few boys by surprise, but no serious falls occurred. However, that was nothing compared to the trip in the dark to our first camp site through soft sand and unknown territory. It seemed to take forever and I'm not sure we actually found our camp site. We all slept well that night.
We woke up next morning to a lovely clear sky and after breakfast headed off to Mount Wellington??? which was an ascent of about 96m. It took its toll on some of the boys as we ploughed through the sandy roads. But we made it and enjoyed the banter along the way. However, the news had got around that we were there and the mosquitoes relished our company and NEW BLOOD.
Next the abandoned prison complex was heaven for the boys as they scurried about the place speculating what it would have been like there. It hardly seemed like a prison at such a nice location with heaps of pelicans looking like bomber command as they swooped in or took off, a wonderful sight.
Our next encounter was waterlogged roads, which did make a change from cycling through sand. However, we were suddenly in mozzie country and they came at us in droves. Well, we had invaded their territory!
It was with relief that we came across civilisation in the form of a cafe or was it a general store? Whatever it was, the boys bought the shop out of its stock of lollies and the leaders had a nice cup of tea and possibly a scone or two.
We didn't see a great deal of French Island's wildlife other than the occasional koala but that's probably due to the noise of the scouts as they wobbled, slapped and complained travelling across terrain quite different fromthe made streets of Greensborough.
Upon leaving the island, it became obvious that we had caught the right ferry because we were allowed on to it but another group of people to their dismay were left on the jetty because they had booked on a competing ferry that had already left and were told it was "their bad luck they had chosen the wrong ferry"
I'm sure that the island has changed for the better in some regards but hope that it can retain its quiet and natural state. There aren't too many places like it and where would the mozzies go if industry was allowed to encroach onto its shores. Perhaps a Mortein research centre would be appropriate.
Noel Withers
