MINUTES OF MEETING

@
BURGO’S SHED
MONDAY 12TH APRIL 2010

PRESENT: Bill Shorten, Mat Tinkler (Commonwealth Government)

Pam Williams (Director DHS Fire Recovery)
Betsy Harrington (VBRRA)
Kim Fawcus (VBRRA Community Engagement Officer)
Sarah Martin (MSC Community Engagement Officer)
Pete Auty, Judy Baker, Julie Bateman, John Burgess, Annie Robertson,
Ric Stubbings (FRC)

APOLOGIES: Jane Archibold

1. Viewing of DVD from Community Forum.

2. Introductions
3. Vote of No Confidence:
The FRC is aware that a petition (indicating a vote of no confidence in the FRC) has been
lodged with the S86 Committee. The issues surrounding this petition will be resolved at a
mediation session on a date to be announced. The FRC has determined that we will not
discuss this issue at our meetings. The FRC has determined that we will continue to focus on
the 14 community aspirations decided upon at the Future Flowerdale Forum I in July 2009.
4. UPDATES:
John:
 All scoping documents for Flowerdale are now completed. As far as the new Tennis
facilities are concerned, there needs to be community consultation regarding the two
existing courts, and their future.
 There are still issues regarding the siting of the Arts Precinct, Men’s Shed and Community
Garden. Residents involved have indicated that they are happy about the facility, but
want it in a different location at the Rec Reserve.
 Youth Space: It has been identified that there is a need for a youth space in Flowerdale.
Consequently, a Youth Forum has been organised for Friday 16 th April at 7pm at the
Flowerdale Community Hall, with young people and their parents and guardians
encouraged to attend.
 Community Hall renovations: The starting date for these renovations is imminent.
 Other Projects: Still awaiting VBAF funding and negotiations regarding the acquittal of
funds still in progress.
Pete:
 Pete reported that the Arts Work Engine are holding regular meetings. They are working
closely with RAV (Regional Arts Victoria) on a number of individual and collective projects.
 The Work Engine has devised a system for the distribution of original works of art donated
to Flowerdale.
 The Arts Work Engine is in the process of planning for the opening of the Precinct. This
will be a whole community event.
 The Work Engine reports that as soon as the location of the Arts Precinct, Men’s Shed and
Community Garden, within the Rec Reserve area, have been agreed upon their projects
can start.
Judy:
  Judy reported that, while many copies of the Flowerdale Fire Safety Plan were distributed
at the Future Flowerdale Forum II, there are many who have not received the document.
Sara Martin agreed that the MSC would be able to help in the posting of these to all
residents in the Flowerdale Valley, and to those residents living out of the area.
Ric:
 Ric reported that there is approximately $63000 left in the Flowerdale fund.
 Arts money has been distributed.
 Proceeds from the Fluros Vs Flowerdale fund-raiser have been distributed to the 6 relevant
community groups.
 The trust will consult the community as to the distribution of the remaining $63000.
Annie:
 Annie reported that the Future Flowerdale Forum II was a very successful day, allowing
the community to reconnect, and be updated on the progress of the 14 aspirations given
to the FRC.
 The FFFII was a great way to allow the community to input their opinions – whether
positive or negative.
 Reported that there has been no negative feedback from the FFFII to date.
Julie:
 Julie reported that communications continues to be a strong point of the FRC. Regular
postings to the Blog occur. Julie also pointed out that the Flowerdale Survivor Spirit
Blogspot allows for unvetted opinions and comments – whether positive or negative- from
its readers. The FRC strongly believe that people with negative comments should be able
to express these, and does not subscribe to the practice of excluding “undesirable”
material from the Blog.
 Julie also reported that the FRC minutes are taken by Annie, emailed within two days to
Pete Auty for literary editing, passed on to Julie and posted to the Blog.
 Monthly Recovery Updates are still being emailed, posted and made available locally to
keep the community informed.
5. Bill Shorten:
 Expressed thanks for the DVD presentation and updates.
 Stated that the Federal Government is committed to Recovery.
 Stated that he felt the FRC to be very organised and doing well in ensuring the 14
community aspirations come to fruition.
 Asked for a brief history of the DEEWR Johs Fund Grant. Pete Williams and John Burgess
gave a short run down:
In March 2009, the Flowerdale Temporary Village, the first of its kind, was high on the
local agenda. At that stage the FRC had not been formed, and the Emergency Relief
Team was in place. The DEEWR Jobs Fund Grant was brought to the ERT’s attention.
The timeline for the Grant was arduous and the ERT was busy with Village construction
issues. Pete sourced Gerri Gentle (ex-government) who volunteered to write the grant
submission. Pete Williams then set up a WIKI site to help expedite this. The application
was submitted in May 2009. Gerri Gentle came to Flowerdale on the day of the Service
and Celebration at Moores Road Reserve. On that day Paula Turner, Liz Mival and Brenda
Beckett worked with her on the grant application. One of the terms of the application was
the nomination of a site for the project. The Jarara site was nominated as a possible site.

When the Future Flowerdale Forum I was held in July 2009, the issue of the Kinder
location was discussed. A project group had to decide the location of the Flowerdale
Kindergarten and a decision was made by DEET to have it located at the school, thereby
 having all childrens’ educational services on the same campus. Subsequent discussions
and negotiations resulted in a 14 – 1 vote that the Kinder be located with the Flowerdale
Primary School.

Shire subsequently ran due process re Jarara and finally voted to disband the Jarara
Committee of Management for two reasons – firstly because there had been no AGM and
secondly because the committee was deemed by them to be redundant. The MSC
collapsed the Jarara Committee.

Other locations for a possible Kinder site were suggested and these were at Creekside and
Burnside, but neither was deemed to be a suitable option.

On 23rd December 2009 a final decision was made to locate the new Community House at
the old Jarara site.

 Bill Shorten also talked about Communications as a Federal issue. He outlined some
information about TV, High Speed Broad Band and Fire Warnings. One concern is that
when digital TV turns on, will Flowerdale have the reception infrastructure necessary.
ACTION:
 Bill Shorten to arrange a direct visit with Steven Conroy, to investigate the supply of a
satellite for people not receiving Melbourne TV.
 A meeting has been organised for 28th April. Attendees to include Telstra, VBRRA, senior
officials from PM’s Department, Council Officers & proponents, and FRC.
 Bill also stated that the rebate on Satellite Phones (capped at $1000) has risen from
60% to 85% and this will be a little helpful.

6. Pete Williams: Bushfire Warning Systems:

Tabled a document which looks at existing systems, possible improvements and possible
actions needed to achieve these.

7. Betsy Report:
Tenders for the early Learning Centre are in but over budget, but these issues are being
worked upon. Daniel Radford is the project manager.

8. Sarah report:
 From MSC: A response to the planned mediation. Genevieve Overell, by the end of this
week will have a facilitator and a date – possibly in early May.
 Solicitors have prepared a lease agreement for the Jarara site, and it is expected that this
will be sent soon
 Community Notice Boards are still wanted.
ACTION:
 Sarah to organise notice boards at communal places such as the Hazeldene Store,
Flowerdale Community Hall, Flowerdale Hotel, Recreation Reserve and at the new
Community House. First to show FRC design before ordering.
 Hazeldene bridge access to store and Broome Road. Sarah reported that Ian Ellet is willing
to do consultation re working out a way forward. It was suggested that the appropriate
meeting venue is the Hazeldene Store.
9. Re Max Ginn. Money from the DEEWR Jobs Fund Grant. Hope to provide admin or back
office support for Marcus Worrall at the IPO, which may be extended to other fire affected
communities if required or needed. John to arrange meeting with Max Ginn next week.

Meeting ended 8.45pm

MENU
Smoked salmon & Pepper Cheese Platter
King George Whiting
Fresh Bream
Gummy Shark
Atlantic Salmon
(Thanks to our fisherman John De Maria)
(in Ric’s Tempura Batter)
Judy’s sensational Lemon Meringue Pie with Fresh Cream
Hoof Over Hills Merlot
Hoof Over Hills Chardonnay