Elpho Info

What a difference some rain makes.

REACH LOCAL PEOPLE The Elpho Info depends on advertisers and advertisers often comment about the number of enquiries they get from their ad. Please see Gill at the shop to start a new ad or keep your ad up to date. Thanks in advance for your support. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Early March: Get your donations for the CFA Garage Sale organised 3 March, Sunday: Elpho Cricket Club vs Newstead. BBQ at hall 10 March, Sunday: Elphinstone Fire Brigade Garage Sale Mid-March: deadline for Community Planning survey 19 March, Tuesday, 7:30pm: Carpet Bowls 2013 season starts 24 March, Sunday: Elpho Cricket Club Presentation Day 6 April, Saturday: Counselor Christine Henderson Listening Post at Taradale (see page 3) Mid-May: Deadline for next Elpho Info submissions 9 November, Saturday night: Elphinstone Primary School 150th anniversary dance 10 November, Sunday: Elphinstone Primary School 150th anniversary celebrations

March 2013 Volume 57

Community Newsletter for the Elphinstone, Faraday, Sutton Grange and Metcalfe districts

Mount Alexander Shire is currently undertaking consultations relating to a Community Planning project which is being undertaken with the Elphinstone community. The Community Planning project is a state and local government funded initiative to support 9 towns within Mount Alexander Shire to develop community action plans that are led, owned and driven by community members. To date Newstead, Taradale and Harcourt have undergone the process and council is now working with Chewton, Guildford, and of course Elphinstone. There is also an opportunity for you to take part in further stages of the project where you can become part of a new Community Planning Group within Elphinstone that focuses on and creates change.

Elphinstone Community Planning Project

Acting community planner, Sharlene Farrugia at Mount Alexander Shire Council. email: s.farrugia@mountalexander.vic.gov.au, phone: 0409 424 323
NOTE: THE EMAIL ON THE BACK OF THE SURVEY IS INCORRECT

The Elpho Info can be read online: http://elphoinfo.blogspot.com.au/

Fiona Gatt (editor)

How to take part - complete a survey Surveys were mailed to all Elphinstone residents and further copies can be picked up at the shop. It can also be done online: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SJLZ7VV Surveys are due back to council by mid-March 2013. Sharlene will collate the survey and provide a copy of the results to all those who take part. A meeting will be held to discuss the community feedback from the survey. A working group may then be created to come up with a town plan. Four ideas for the town plan were put forward at a meeting attended by representatives from community groups: 1) Sorting out the road name issues in Elphinstone 2) Recreational reserve and tennis courts upgrade 3) Overhanging trees on the cricket ground 4) A large community noticeboard near the pub or General Store Nothing is set in stone about this Community Planning Project though, so put your ideas in the survey and come along to the next meeting to get involved.

Articles and advertising for the June Elpho Info are due by mid-May. Email your articles to gattfiona@gmail.com Please also email me photos, jokes, stories, poemsalmost anythingat any time. The Elpho Info is compiled and edited by Fiona Gatt, using a template designed by Beth Melleck. Gill at the shop is the contact for billing queries. Elpho Info is a member of the Community Newspapers Association of Victoria.

Special note: A particularly enthusiastic parent in the area has set up a Facebook page, hoping to create a forum where ideas for Elphinstone from 10 - 18 year olds can be discussed. Please Like the page and dont forget, teenagers can do the survey too! http://www.facebook.com/ElphinstoneSkatePark

NEXT EDITION

Elphinstone Primary School

It is going to be a big year for Elphinstone Primary as we celebrate our 150th year. The highlight will undoubtedly be the Fair and Historical Display to be held at school on Sunday 10th November. The students will be learning all about the history of the district throughout the year and plan to interview many past students. There is a dance planned for the Saturday night at the Elphinstone Community Centre which will be organised by the Elphinstone Tennis Club. If anyone out there has any old photos or school memorabilia we would love to copy it and include it in our display. New Students Once again our numbers look solid and we welcome 5 new Prep students to the school: Deqlan Radford, Wilkie Walters, Jack Spencer Kayla Ferguson and Shayla Milton. The students are pictured top right with their older buddies. We also have some new families who have moved into the town and we welcome them into our school community. We have Alexandra in Grade 3 and Sarah, Brodie and Paris in Grade 4. The future of the school looks bright as most of the school population are in the early to middle grades. On a recent Friday we held our traditional welcome breakfast where the students and parents enjoyed bacon eggs and pancakes before lessons started! School Houses This year we have replaced our tribes with 4 traditional school houses. With the inspiration of our 150th year, we have chosen some pioneering surnames for our houses. We now have the Frye, Oliver, Pollard & Timmins houses
Wright Street Elphinstone 5473 3285 elphinstone.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au www.elphinstone.vic.edu.au

(pictured below) led by our 4 Grade 6 students Brayden Wright, Bec Smith, Caitlin Morgan and Fletch Canny. These families had orchards, sheep and wool, cattle, some dairy farming as well as wood cutting and sawmill works. Today there are only 2 orchards left in Elphinstone, with one being owned by Pollards. There are roads named after these families that the students are familiar with and throughout the year they will explore their own house names and their significance to the community of Elphinstone. Brendan Stewart, Principal

News students at Elphinstone Primary School in 2103

Elpho Info

What a cheaky bunch! This is an excerpt from page 31 of A History of Elphinstone by Ken James and Noel Davis, available at the General Store.

On 30 January 1878 Head Teacher George Dore requested a visit from the Truant Officer, pointing out that ever since I have been here ... nothing in the shape of compulsion has been attempted by the Board of Advice and both scholars and parents only smile at my endeavour in pointing out the risk of prosecution to which they expose themselves every quarter.

Elphinstone Primary School Flashback

March 2013

A message on planning from our counsellor

aims to have local communities develop a action plans for their towns. Taradale is in the final stages, with the final action plan due to be received by council very soon. Chewton and Elphinstone are in the early stages [see the front page]. Have you returned your survey? The more input the better. Remember that your local community plan will influence whats done and whats not done in the community, by council and other levels of government. For example, if the Elphinstone plan lists improvements to the cricket ground as a high priority, then councils recreation services department will be aware of this and look for ways to fund improvements. The same goes for all public spaces, community buildings and activities, and blue sky items. Think big, have a dream or two about what might enhance your community, throw it into the mix, then if its a popular idea, chances are itll end up in the community plan. Thats a good first step to turning your idea into a reality. Moving to the whole of Mount Alexander Shire, councillors and senior council staff are in the process of putting together the council plan for the next four years. Perhaps youve attended a community workshop on the council plan in recent weeks. If so then thank you for making the effort and having your say. Council really does want to hear from people what they consider to be the priorities for council actions and

Elpho Info

Planning has been a large part of my life in recent weeks. At home we put together a fire plan at the start of the season. It has its first test with the announcement on the radio scanner of a fire within a few kilometres of our house and heading our way. Well, I said to my partner, after a few moments of looking at each other. What are you going to do first? Note that most of the outdoor actions on our houses fire plan have my partners name against them (Me, climb a ladder?) Plug the downpipes and fill the spouting, came his response, after a quick glance at the fridge. That he left me to decide what I was going to do. Remembering to change into long sleeves and pants, I trotted down to the dam to start the pump. At least I can do that. Luckily for us, a strike team of five CFA tankers led by Taradale dealt with the blaze promptly. We pulled the fire plan off the fridge for a bit of editing. This morning as I filled the old ute with another load of rakedup leaves I realised that most of fire preparation is best done well before theres smoke in the sky or an urgent voice on the scanner. Away from home, but still within Coliban ward, community planning continues. This council-led process

spending. However most of us tend to be not very interested in getting involved in such discussions until theres something happening that we definitely dont want to happen. Thats when most of us get active. The final plan doesnt come to council until the end of June, after the obligatory section 223 process period during which members of the public may make suggested changes. The idea of contributing to the council plan might not grab your interest, but I strongly recommend that you at least keep track of whats happening with your local community plan and because you live in a rural area, please make sure you have a fire plan. You never know when you might need one. On a final note, Ill be making myself available on a regular basis to meet with anyone who has a councilrelated concern, starting in April. Ill be in the Mechanics Institute in Taradale (main road, bottom of the hill) on the first Saturday of the month from 2pm to 4pm. I hope that this locality will also be convenient for people from Elphinstone who wish to talk to me. I intend to trial this for six months, to see if its of use of people. Im also planning a regular session at Metcalfe. More on this later. Of course as your local councillor Im always contactable via email Coliban@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or phone 04660 04628. Just leave a message and Ill call you back.

Christine Henderson

DISCLAIMER Articles and comments printed in this newsletter are the result of contributions from local groups and relevant news articles pertinent to Elphinstone/Sutton Grange and Metcalfe areas. Views may be reflective of a group or organisation, and are printed as information to all readers. Neither Elphinstone/Sutton Grange and Metcalfe Progress Assoc. nor the Editorial Team are liable for any mistakes, omissions or misprints. It prints and makes no representation as to the truth or accuracy of any description and accepts no liability for any loss suffered by any person who relies on any statement contained herein. The Editorial Team may at time find it necessary to alter text so as to accommodate space, but will in no way alter the validity of a story. They will endeavour to make these changes with the authors.

March 2013

Elphinstone Fire Brigade

Since the last newsletter, things have certainly not slowed down for our local Brigade. Firstly, back in December, we had a fantastic morning for our Fire Ready Meeting. We would like to thank all of those who gave up their Sunday morning to attend and stayed on after the meeting to have a cup of tea with us - we hope you gained some extra knowledge from your attendance.

Later in December, we had some good news from the Mount Alexander Shire that we had been successful in obtaining a Community Grant. The Brigade applied for funding for two Engel Fridges (one for each of the tankers) to keep water and electrolytes for our fire fighters cool on the fire ground (pictured top right). The Brigade would like to sincerely thank the Mount Alexander Shire for its support with this project. As part of our official tanker handover day last October, and at a recent Brigade general meeting, Service Awards were issued to members for their contribution over 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 years, which were presented by CFA District 2 Operations Officer, Alun Hughson. All recipients should be proud of their outstanding achievements, and the Brigade would also like to thank the families of the recipients who make it all possible by being so flexible and holding the fort when one or more family members are called away to a fire, often at a moments notice.

area. Our crew did Elphinstone proud.

Back in our local patch, our Brigade has had a very busy summer. With very little rain and conditions being tinder dry, this trend looks set to continue. The word from the Fire Services Commissioner, Craig Lapsley, is to hit any fires hard and fast, and quickly call for additional resources if required.

The Elphinstone Fire Brigade sent away a strike team in January to assist our New South Wales counterparts with many large fires which were burning out of control across that State. Four of our members were away for a number of days helping out in the Wagga Wagga

The Brigade was humbled by the recent feedback from the Community following the recent evening fire in Buntins Road/McCarthy Road. It was lovely to receive so many positive comments in the days following the In the last few weeks the Brigade has successful control of this fire. responded to two fires in the Elphinstone area at Buntins Road, The Brigade would also like to thank and one on the Calder Freeway at those who made cash donations Faraday, which were all controlled following this event, and would as quickly as possible. We have sincerely like to thank the person also sent strike teams to Baringhup (name unknown) who dropped off and Creswick to assist locals in a large tin of coffee, tea, milk and those areas with large fires, and the a huge box of biscuits for Brigade Brigade did a great job responding members to share - this gesture was to a large fire at Metcalfe, with much appreciated. our Captain Andy Chapman as the Incident Controller. We also Tracey Franze, Secretary attended a boat fire at Lake Eppalock where the Elphinstone crew had to NOTE: An Elphinstone Fire Brigade wade into the lake to douse flames Garage Sale will be held on March with an extinguisher. Earlier in the 10th. Details on the back page. summer our crews also attended a Planning on using a power tool? On hot fire at Redesdale, and very recently dry days, do something else. Did you a fire in a pine plantation north east know that if a fire starts you are liable of Castlemaine. All in all a very busy if you havent followed the rules? time. Check the CFA website for the rules.

A big thanks to 2nd Lieutenant Christopher Slee as training coordinator, and also to several members who act as mentors within the Brigade - your hard work is now paying off.

Elpho Info

March 2013

Elphinstone Cricket Club

With two remaining games to be played in the CDCA competition, the Senior B Grade team is looking at finishing the season positively. Elpho is sitting third on the ladder with strong competetion coming from clubs in fourth and fifth place. The finals will soon be upon us, and Elpho does not want to let their position slip. Seniors - Thursdays, 5.30 - 7.30 Juniors - Mondays, 4.30 - 5.30 Elphinstone Recreation Reserve Bryan Keillor-Reed 0429 035 877 Elphinstones junior cricketers have continued to develop their skills in the local CDCA Under 13 format. With a very young team, the improvement shown from the start of the season to this point is testament to the energy and enthusiasm shown by all players and the important parental support. I would like to thank those parents who continue to help out at training and on game nights.

Mount Alexander Conveyancing Services

PO Box 88 Elphinstone VIC 3448

for all your conveyancing needs

Sally Henderson Conveyancer Ph: 54 733 531 Mob: 0402 232 968 Email: mtalexconv@bordernet.com.au

ELPHINSTONE NATIVE PLANTS TRACEY WORSEY LOT 3 WRIGHT ST, ELPHINSTONE

A WIDE RANGE OF GROUND COVERS AND SHRUBS. ALL PLANTS GROWN ON SITE FROM GARDEN STOCK AND SEED. NATIVE PLANTS SUITABLE FOR GARDENS AND SOME LARGER TREES; EUCALYPTS, WATTLES, AND HAKEAS.

At the conclusion of the last home and away game Vs Newstead to be played at the Elpho ground on Sunday 3rd March, there will be a BBQ at the clubrooms. All are invited to come along, cheer our boys on, have a BBQ and drinks, and buy some tickets in the clubs fundraising raffle which has some great prizes. Come along and enjoy the support you bring to the community. A date to mark on your calendars and put on the fridge is Sunday 24th March. This is our club Presentation Day for both our Juniors and Seniors, and will be held at the clubrooms. More info on times etc to follow. Our club raffle will also be drawn on this day. I take this opportunity to mention our volunteers, parents and helpers with the Juniors. Thank you for your assistance, it is truly valued.

Several members of the team have been fortunate enough to get a glimpse of the higher levels of the sport, competing at both the Boys Country Championship and the Girls State Championship in January. I am looking forward to seeing their continued development and foresee a bright future for many of our budding cricketers. I would encourage all players to make the most of their opportunities and continue to develop their skills throughout the year. Highlights for myself as the coach include watching the older players in the team as they support the younger players, both at training and in the friendly natured but still competitive games, and seeing and hearing expressions of delight as players achieve that next success, be it catch or stop, hitting the wicket or making a run. Skills learnt in junior sport are not limited to motor skills, but include skills and habits for life.

54733211 BY APPOINTMENT PLEASE

ELPHO INFO CLASSIFIEDS

*Peking ducks. Big, hand raised, handsome birds. Females: $20. Males: $5. Call John 0418 352 204 * Got something to get rid of? Email gattfiona@gmail.com to get your classified in the next Elpho Info for FREE The Meeting Place is an exciting new schools based program supporting local indigenous students and indigenous culture. The Meeting Place is seeking volunteer bus drivers once a fortnight to collect students from various primary schools and drive them to Yapeen where the program is conducted. No special bus licence is required. For more information, please contact Cath Butler at CDCH on 5479 1000.

Volunteers needed

I am pleased to announce that the clubs recent submission to the Mount Alexander Shire Councils Strengthening our Communities Grant initiative was successful. In the coming months, the club will purchase and install a water pump and sprinkler system (complimenting our new water tank) to assist and maintain the greening of the oval playing surface.

Bryan Keillor-Reed

The Elphinstone Cricket Club thanks these generous sponsors: Mt Alexander Shire Council, Elphinstone Facilities Committee, Commonwealth Bank, Barnes Castlemaine Rock, Pollard Family, Beynon Family, Mercuri Family, Jens Place Cafe Cmaine, Bicknells Sports Bgo, and Bill McBride.

Ray West

*DyslexiClever SUPPORT GROUP:

meets at 9am on the first Friday of the month @ Ethic. Cafe 63 Urquhart Street, Woodend. Enquiries: Marg Bush 0409 550 238 ALL WELCOME March 2013

Elpho Info

Elphinstone Carpet Bowls Association 2013 Season

Time: Tuesdays 9:15 - 11:15. Cost: $3. Elphinstone Hall. Contact: Rebecca Paine on 0488935558 New kids and families always welcome. The group has recently been ejoying corresponding with their sponsor child, 3 year old Moffat Njobvu from Zambia.

Elphinstone Playgroup

Starts Tuesday March 19th at 7:30pm. New members always welcome. Elphinstone Community Hall.

Elpho girl in France

15 year old Sherrin Wright is spending the year on Rotary student exchange in France. Well done for taking on such a brave adventure Sherrin. The weather is cooler than here, often about -10.

AJ CHAPMAN EARTHMOVING
ANDY & KATH CHAPMAN & GIRLS Calder Hwy, Elphinstone, 3448

Andy has 24 years local knowledge & experience For further information phone: 0408 507 770 or 5473 3294

For all your Backhoe & Tip truck requirements Quarry and Road Supplies Grader hire Driveway & House Sites

ZUMBA
Weseley Hill Hall Mon 7-8pm Kyneton Sports & Aquatic Centre Tues 7-8pm Fri 11am-12noon

Offering a unique, individualised program in a small rural setting. *3 and 4 year old programs *Passionate teachers *Lovely community *Come and see 28 Buckley Street, Harcourt Tel: 5474 2391 Email: Harcourt.kin@kindergarden.vic.gov.au

Harcourt Pre-School

Companion walkers needed

The Mount Alexander Shire Councils Community Services Social Support Unit is calling for friendly, active, community members who would like to become a volunteer for the companion walking program. If you would like to learn more about volunteering within the Social Support Unit please contact Corina Reid on 5471 1735.

Elpho Info

March 2013

Elphinstone Tennis Club

Lisa W: 0412 137 345 or elphinstonetc@gmail.com Tess Kelly, Nick West, Brayden Wright

Elphinstone Post Office and General Store

5473 3200
Weekdays 7.30am-5.30pm Saturday 8.00am-1.00pm Sunday 8.00am-12noon Public Hol8.00am-12noon Gill and Dave

Alyssia De Grandi, Anglea Elphinstone has a Junior 1 team in the CDTA, with the team heading into finals. This is a great effort for our players as only one has played competition before. The team has improved immensely due to the guidance of Alan Burke. SOCIAL TENNIS FRIDAYS AT 9:30AM $10 TO BECOME A SOCIAL MEMBER, $2 PER WEEK MORNING TEA INCLUDED West, Tara Kelly

Late Model Euro Diesel Specialist Full Diagnostic & Repair Service

Euro Commercial Repairs

Community Conversations: Making a Difference

Mount Alexander Shire Council invites you to an interactive morning workshop on Wednesday 27th March 2013 at the Campbells Creek Community Centre. This workshop brings together community members to share ideas, knowledge and experience in what you do and how this can contribute to stronger, healthier, happier and more sustainable communities in the Shire. Ian McBurney, prominent sustainability-focused thinker and planner will facilitate the mornings programme. Morning tea and a light lunch will be provided. RSVP Wednesday 13th March. Contact Georgina Robertson, Events officer on 5471 1810 or g.robertson@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

Mark Gardiner
Master Technician
Lot 5 Carinya Crt, Elphinstone, 3448

0428 449 152 eurocr@bigpond.com

COMPUTERS
Upgrades, Repairs, New PCs, Web Sites Local to Elphinstone, servicing the shire Call John on 0418 352 204 www.johngatt.com

Rainfall by Wes Watson

Nov mm 48 44 52 11 Dec mm 47 44 46 10 AVERAGE RAINFALL Elphinstone 1988-2003 Castlemaine 1966-1994 Harcourt 1968-1994 ACTUAL RAINFALL RECEIVED Elphinstone 2012/2013

Jan mm 47 39 49 1

Hedge end Healing CliniC

revitalise your health and well being

Carolyn Hudson
remedial massage therapist infant massage instructor health provider recognition AAMT member

ear candling, hot stone massage, reflexology, shiatsu

0416 108 823 Taradale

Many thanks to local resident Wes Watson for keeping rainfall records and diligently passing them on to be published in this newsletter.

Elpho Info

March 2013

On the 17th of November 2012 Russell and Felicity Adcock held their annual Christmas Party. After Felicitys Dad Tom Davy passed away from cancer in August, the decision was made to hold the party as a charity event. A lovely day was had by all, with 106 people passing through the gates.

Tom Davy Memorial Sports Day and Christmas Party

Some of the games included the saddle bronc, with host Russell Adcock showing his stuff in the arena, and the Steer Buck with (unfortunately) no locals involved perhaps next year Willy Macteir (who very kindly donated the steers for the day) might show us how its done! The Carry-Your-Wife competition was the highlight of the day with winners Andrea Davy and Mitchell Smith taking home the coveted trophy. The Auction was by far the biggest money spinner and special thanks need to go to the following people/ businesses for their very kind and much appreciated donations: Elphinstone Firewood and Scrap Metal, Ultimate Equine Dentistry, Mega Merch Kyneton, John Conlan, Nancy Wake, Euro Commercial Repairs and Fusion Hair Bendigo.

Taradale Mineral Springs Festival

The Festival is a true family event with something for everyone, including handcrafted local wines and produce including olives, oils, preserves, fresh berries, puddings and lots more. There will also be plenty of food to go with yum cha, pizza in a cone, pancakes and bbq delights among many.

Thanks also to the following people for the donation of their time or talents: Appletown Party Hire, Brett Kelly and Band, Rowan Toki, Luke Adcock, Erin Downie, Anet Moran, Naomi Kenna, Helen Davy, Peter Lane and of course Santa for coming to visit with all the kids. Russell and Felicity and families thoroughly enjoyed the day and are looking forward to hosting an even bigger and better Tom Davy Memorial Sports Day and Christmas Party in 2013.

Mineral Springs Reserve, Taradale

Sunday 10th March 2013, 10am 4pm

Relaxation and Deep Tissue Massage Bowtech Bowen Therapy Lymphatic Drainage Holistic Healing Ear Candling Lomi Lomi Massage 203 Barker St, Castlemaine 5473 3490 2497 Calder Hwy, Elphinstone 0423 466 126
Member of AAMT and BBAA

A BIG thank you to all that came on the day and donated to The Cancer Council of Victoria. With your help, a total of $1422.00 was raised. Felicity Adcock Bowenworks Castlemaine
Loretta Nicoletti

Castlemaine/Gisborne Cleaning Services and All Areas Duct Cleaning contact: Christine Adams 0419 006 591

Entertainment includes live Celtic, folk, rock and country music, whip cracking, vintage cars, 2-day art exhibition and a range of free childrens activities including face-painting, fairy games, miniature fire truck and jumping castle. BYO picnic blanket and basket to fill. For event enquiries call Marg on 5423 2302.

Elpho Info

March 2013