FLOWERDALE COMMUNITY RECOVERY UPDATE

Wednesday 3rd June 2009

Community Meetings
Community meetings will be held at the Rec Reserve, Spring Valley Road on Friday
evenings commencing 8pm
Please note: There will be no community meeting Friday 5th June. Next
meeting will be held on Friday 12th June.

Updates from Community Meeting 29TH May

• New Flowerdale Community Recovery Committee was announced. The voted in
members are:
• Ric Stubbings
• Peter Auty
• Judy Baker
• Julie Bateman
• Annie Robertson
• John Burgess
• Votes were scrutinised by Ross Davies, Principal, Flowerdale Primary School as
DHS Personnel counted all the votes.
• Grocon have cleared approx 245 sites and will be finished area by the long
weekend.
Information on Nominees for Flowerdale Recovery Committee

Sally Abbott-Smith
I am the King Parrot Ward Councillor and would provide the best possible outcome for
Flowerdale.

Peter Auty
I moved to Flowerdale in January 2001, and live on our family property in Upper King
Parrot Creek Road.
I joined Strath Creek Landcare group, initiated the Flowerdale Primary School Junior
Landcare group and joined Flowerdale CFA the same year.
I have also been involved with the Spring Valley Recreation Reserve Committee of
Management, Moore's Road Reserve, Hoof over Hills, Flowerdale CFA Juniors, and am
actively engaged in a number of community groups.
I am committed to the vision of a safe, sustainable community, environmentally,
socially and economically.

Julie Bateman
I have lived in the surrounding area all my life and Flowerdale for the past 20 years.
In the past I have belonged to the Flowerdale CFA and I was on the fundraising
committee.
At present I’m the communications person for the Flowerdale Community Recovery to
keep residents and those who are placed elsewhere due to the fires up to date with
information, events, activities and resources available.
Throughout my working career I have dealt with government and non government
organisations obtaining information and resources needed to complete tasks in a
timely and efficient manner. Also I have a wide range of experience in administration,
secretarial and Personal Assistant positions.
Being part of the committee would give me an opportunity to work for the community
to make Flowerdale an even better place to live and prosper for the future. Also to
endeavour to meet all the community’s needs.
Judy Baker
I have involved in several committees over the years in Flowerdale including Captain
of CFA for 6 years. Fireguard for 10 years and Fire in Schools.

John Burgess
I have been a Flowerdale resident for the past 17 years since I relocated from Sydney
to take up a senior position with TNT. I have been married to Anna for the past 20
years, and we have both played different roles within the community.
I am currently President of the Spring Valley Recreation Reserve Committee of
Management (SVRRCM), convenor and chair of the Moore's Road Reserve Committee
of Management, and for the past 5 years MC and on the organising committee of the
Flowerdale Australian Day event.
For the last 12 weeks I have concentrated on organising and networking to provide
Flowerdale its relief Village.
I am focussed on seeing Flowerdale instated as a better community socially,
economically, and, if possible, with even stronger community spirit.

Colin Edwards
I have lived in Flowerdale for 7 years after a life in Management.
I have served on ministerial advisory committees and well aware of the way
bureaucracies work or should work.
I have a background in education and environmental management. I currently operate
a small publishing business and have provided three web master services for
community groups such as the Bolly Gum Adventure Park project at Kinglake.
I’d be the first to admit that I came to Flowerdale to slow down but to be involved in
the rebuilding of a community after the ravages of Black Saturday is one of those
once in a lifetime challenges. I would be more than happy to serve this community in
any way that I can make use of my experience and skills. Whether it be on the
management committee or any other tasks that will enviably follow.
It would be an honour and a wonderful challenge.

Christine Grant
My name is Chrissy Grant; I have been a resident of Flowerdale for 14 years. I have
been married for 14 years and I have 2 girls. I am currently on 2 committees:
committee of management for Jarara as the treasurer for the past 5 years, also on the
Flowerdale Kinder Committee as treasurer for the past 8 years, I add that I am proud
of where I live.
Prior to the fire, I kept most of the up-keep on the Jarara Building (which was where
the Kinder was held). My children went to the Kinder and I continue to be treasurer of
the kinder as a substantial amount of money is held for the continuance of the kinder
should our enrolments drop.
I am an honest trustworthy person who believes in calling a spade a spade, I stand up
for what I believe in, and am easy to approach and have many friends in the
community.

Jessica Greig
Hi my name is Jessica Greig, I have lived in Flowerdale all my life, and my family have
lived here for 24 years. I successfully completed my VCE at Yea High School and I am
currently in my 2nd Year of Bachelor of Education – Primary Teaching at RMIT
University in Bundoora. I am completing my practical placement at the Kinglake West
Primary school where I will be until the end of this year.
I am very passionate about the rebuilding and continuing development of this
wonderful Valley which I call home.
If elected on to the Flowerdale Community Recovery Committee I will do my utmost to
fulfil any obligations required of me.

Karen Gunter
My name was put forward at the Flowerdale community recovery committee. I
appreciate that I was nominated and believe I would be a good member of this
committee as I am a part of the Flowerdale Kinder committee and Jarara community
centre.
I am also a member of the Flowerdale tennis club and believe I could help to represent
in these areas.
A lot of the long term Flowerdale residents would probably know me as I grew up in
Flowerdale and still live here and I am still active here in the community. I believe I
can help out on this committee and look forward to helping us build a back to normal
or better Flowerdale township.

Tracie Hanna
I have extensive experience in Management on Committees.

Dayle Kalve
“Plan and work for a community even better than what you had”.
Many of us remember these words from one of the breakfast meetings in the early
days after the fire.
Over the past 30 years I have watched Flowerdale change and grow until the most
devastating changed of all in February.
The committee gives us the opportunity to work with government for the benefit of
this community.
Throughout my working life I have worked with communities in Melbourne’s Northern
& Western suburbs to help develop local decisions and bring about better outcomes
for local people.
I am also experienced in obtaining funding for local projects and in building
partnerships between all levels of government, non government organisations and
local communities.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions on 57 802 904.
Dianne Linskins
Service to various committees, have been president for Waverley Little Athletics and
life member. Secretary of State League Netball Association, Gippsland Storm.
Associate Secretary of Waverley and District softball.
Winner of Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for my work within the community for
sports committees and under privileged children.
Chairman of committee responsible for 2002 World Masters Softball Tournament.
Implementation of Special Funds to enable under privileged children to participate in
sports.
Working with Salvation Army and sourcing material aid for Flowerdale Community,
including, Blazeaid, RSPCA. Sourcing grants through Rotary various other
organisations. Responsible for distribution of vouchers for those in need. Sourcing
Laptops/Computers for the community.
Main attributes I bring to the committee would be my unbiased approach to all
matters and to all people with the community. My ability to stand up for what’s right
and fair for all of those within my community of Flowerdale.

Vicky Parry
I am member of several committees:
Flowerdale Community House committee member for 8 years
C.F.A. Auxiliary member
Youth Group Coordinator

Steve Phelan
I have been the publican of the Flowerdale Hotel for over 8 years.

Annie Robertson
I am Annie Robertson. I am one of the three organizers of the Flowerdale Hoof Over
Hills horse riding weekend which is held in October each year. Hoof Over Hills has
taught me that the people of Flowerdale are exceptional in their thoughtfulness, and
generous in their support, and time. For our event, no hurdle is to high, no ask is too
great for our volunteers. It would be nice to give something back to my community.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Ric Stubbings
I have lived in Flowerdale since 1981. With my wife Sal, we have raised 3 children, the
last of which finished schooling last year; all went to Flowerdale Kinder, Flowerdale
Primary and Yea High School. We have been involved with many community groups
over the years. Professionally I am a Civil & Structural Engineer and operate a home
business. My main area of experience is structural design of buildings including
drainage and fire services. I have also have worked in the past with water & waste
water engineering and have done post graduate studies in that field. However most of
you Flowerdalians will probably know me from my limited repertoire of tractor and
road kill songs and insatiable appetite for jamming at the pub’s open mike sessions. I
am a CFA volunteer fire fighter, play tennis, and keep some ducks and cows. I would
hope my technical knowledge and love of our valley will be an asset to the recovery
committee Feel free to vote for me
..(Spelt "RICK STUBBINGS" on the voting form. Don’t be confused..). Cheers Ric

All votes must be in by Thursday 28th May by 5pm. Return Votes can be
mailed to PO Box 2060, Hazeldene 3658, via email jbateman@y7mail.com or
placed in voting boxes at the General Store, Pub, the Hub and the Rec
Reserve.
  All votes will be counted by DHS Personnel
 Special meeting will now be taking place 29th May to announce who
has been elected on the committee and discuss key issues about the
recovery of the Flowerdale Community.
Update on Hazeldene Bridge from Ian Ellett
A community meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 4 June 2009 at the
Hazeldene Bridge for interested members of the community to come along and
discuss the proposed upgrade works on the Hazeldene Bridge. Council’s Manager
Assets & Infrastructure, Ian Ellett, will be in attendance to discuss the proposed works
and to answer any questions.

As a result of the fire damage sustained to the bridge deck, refurbishment works are
currently being planned. The proposed works will involve replacement of the existing
timber deck and railing with a new concrete deck and new steel barrier rails.

A temporary bridge will be installed as part of these works providing 24-hour vehicle
and pedestrian access for the duration of the works.

Subject to cost, it may be possible to provide a pedestrian lane as part of the new
bridge deck. Other benefits are that the bridge will be safer for vehicles and
pedestrians, less at risk to fire damage, will have significantly lower maintenance
needs and require less traffic closures.

There has currently been no decision in relation to the appointment of a contractor so

the exact timing of these works cannot be confirmed at the present time.
Any enquiries or concerns about these proposed works should be directed to Ian
Ellett, Engineering Services Team, on telephone 5772 0333. Alternatively, concerns in
writing, should be addressed to the Manager Assets & Infrastructure, PO Box 138
Alexandra 3714.

Note: Sally Abbott-Smith advised on 25th May that community meeting maybe
deferred, council will advise ratepayers if this occurs.

Public Meeting for Bushfire Victims

Thursday 28th May 6.30pm, Flowerdale Hall.
All persons who suffered loss or damage as a result of the Kilmore East/Kinglake
Bushfire on 7 February are invited to a public meeting for information on legal
entitlements to compensation.
Attending this meeting will be representatives from Slidders Lawyers and Maurice
Blackburn Lawyers, Tim Tobin QC and Loss Assessors.
Bushfire Class Action Centre, Freecall 1800 99 55 70.

Please Note: Animal Registrations

Animal Registrations for the Shire: if you no longer have animals that are registered
with Shire could you please contact them to remove from register as they will soon be
sending out renewal of registrations.

New Bus Service Timetable

Thursday – To Friday – To Yea

Seymour
Leave Leave
Hazeldene Store 8.55am Hazeldene Store 8.55am
Flowerdale Pub 9.00am Flowerdale Pub 9.00am
Rec Reserve 9.10am Rec Reserve 9.10am
Strath Creek 9.20am Depart 11am
Arrive 10.00am
Depart 12noon
Please use our bus services so we might be able to keep for the future
and add other bus services.
 UPCOMING EVENTS (so please mark in your diaries)

27th May Playgroup, Flowerdale Hall “Play Bus visit with Sing and Grow” 10am
28th May Public Meeting for Bushfire Victims, 6.30pm Flowerdale Hall. All
persons who suffered loss or damage as a result of the Kilmore
East/Kinglake Bushfire on 7th February for information on legal
entitlements to compensation.
29th May Special Community Meeting, 8pm Recreation Reserve, Spring Valley
Road to discuss new voted in Flowerdale Recovery Committee and
discuss key issues & what the community may want for the
Community.
29th May Rising from the Ashes, Yea Shire Hall, High Street, Yea 7.15pm. $25
per head, No Alcohol. Scared Weird Little Guys, Grand Wazoo, Lorin
Nicholson. Book The Boite 94171983 (credit card only)
30th May Emotional Freedom Technique Workshop, Yea Community House,
9.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-5.15pm. Open to all communities. Learn
how to help yourself cope with any physical or emotional issues.
Workshop Facilitator – Russell Cunningham. For information or
booking call 57 973 070.
31st May Kinglake District Health & Wellbeing Healing Day, 11am – 5pm at
Kinglake West Hall, phone Rhonda 57865247
2nd June Steve Poltz and Greggory Page will be performing at the Flowerdale
Hall, 7pm. Entry is gold coin donation. BYO drinks.
10th June Playgroup, “Play Group Victoria, Fun Day in Whittlesea, New Horizons
Church” 10am
12th June Sunflower Day, 9.30-2.30pm in Big Tent, Kinglake Hub. Fun Games,
Massages, Hair Care, Facials etc. Free gifts to take home. Bookings
required phone Bronwyn Taylor, Global Care, 57 861 452 or 0408 929
594.
17th June Play Group, Flowerdale Hall, “Fun, Games & Craft” 10am
21st June Flowerdale Market will be held again at the Flowerdale Hall. Arts,
Crafts, Fresh Fruit & Vegies, Plants & lots more. If you would like to be
a stall holder the cost is $10, please call Alison on 57801223.
24th June Play Group, Flowerdale Hall “Term Break Up – Hot Chips Lunch” 10am
19th July Replanting at Flowerdale Primary School for the kids
16,17&18 Oct Hoof Over Hills

Keeping up to date with Community Events, Meetings & other activities

If you would like to keep up to date with what is happening in the Flowerdale
Community, we now have a communications person, Julie Bateman.

If you would like to receive information please advise by the following:

Via Email: email your details to jbateman@y7mail.com

Via Post: send your name & address to Flowerdale Community Recovery,
PO Box 2060, Hazeldene 3658
Via Text: send email, via post or phone 0418589072

Web Links for updates

As some people may not be aware there are several useful websites with updates on
what is happening in the area. They are listed below:

http://helpflowerdalenow.blogspot.com/
provides what has been happening in the valley and forthcoming events.
http://www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/
(then click on link “Bushfire Recovery”) this also provides newsletters from council.

http://www.flowerdalerelief.com/
has articles about our area, photos and about donation of goods etc. To date we have
received approximately $50,000 in cash donations.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flowerdale/
photos of Flowerdale since the bushfires

Also if you would like Flowerdale Flyer sent to you by email please contact Brenda via
email to let her know:
brendab@internode.on.net

There are two radio stations also operating for update information on the area:

88.9 UGFM 9.30am Saturday mornings with all Flowerdale upcoming events &
information
94.5 FM Kinglake Radio Station

Free Carpet for anyone living in tents/caravans/sheds. Limited Amount

Phone Tracie: 0404739742 or 03 9324 8776

Free Wildlife Animal Feed, wooden troughs for farms and Small Bags of feed
at local outlets
Tracie: 0404739742 or 03 9324 8776

Flowerdale Community House Activities

Bushfire Support Group for bushfire affected people in Flowerdale/Strath Creek
areas. Time sharing, practical support, information on trauma management with
facilitators Kate Lewer and Zoe Edmonds. Mondays at the Flowerdale Hall from
1.30pm. Afternoon tea provided. For more information call Odette on 57 801 372.
Patchwork Group The patchwork group is now meeting at the Flowerdale hall on
Tuesdays from 7-9pm. Cost $4.00. Also first Saturday of the month. Anyone with an
interest in patchwork or any other craft is most welcome to join the group.
Yoga Tuesdays in the old library at Kinglake West next to the Hall commencing
7.30pm. Tutor Wayne McGivney. Cost $5.
Massage Massages will now be held at the Flowerdale Hall, Tuesdays 10-4pm. Free of
charge.
Chiropractic Clinic will be held now held at Flowerdale Hall, Tuesdays 10-
4pm starting from the 2nd June. RMIT & Students will be providing service with
trained chiropractors. Free of charge.

Weekly Tennis Coaching at Flowerdale

o Sundays at Spring Valley Recreation Reserve from 10am-12noon
o Mondays at the Flowerdale Primary School. First for children followed by adults
from 1 to 2pm.
Lessons are ½ hour per group. All who have enrolled have been allocated a timeslot.
The roster is displayed in the bar at Flowerdale Hotel. The coaching is conducted by
professional tennis coaches who have volunteered. Please come on time and contact
Jeannette (57 801 520) if you are unable to attend as there are some players on the
reserve list who would like to have a go in the event of vacancy.
General Store Hours
Monday-Saturday 7am-7.30pm (food until 7pm)
Sunday 8am-7pm (food until 7pm)
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 9am -5pm

Please Note:
Mail deliveries have started again where there is both a house and a letterbox still
standing or by arrangement. Any other mail is being held at the store unless a
redirection is currently in place. A redirection can be lodged at any Post Office. If you
wish to hire a PO Box at Hazeldene we do still have some available in both Small and
Medium. Please come in and see us if you are interested in hiring a box.

Community Services Hub

Department of Human Services (DHS) has appointed permanent staff to the
Flowerdale Community Service Hub to help coordinate service agency bushfire
recovery efforts within Flowerdale and the surrounding communities, including
Murrindindi. Serving as Flowerdale's Hub Captain and Administrative Officer, Leanne
Pleash and Siobhan Nolan can be contacted on 5780 2704 and 5780 2697
respectively. If you need to speak to DHS outside these hours phone 0400399061.

With both DHS and Centrelink staff on-site, the Flowerdale Hub sits to the left of the
Flowerdale Hall driveway (as you enter the hall grounds), and is open Tuesday and
Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm, Friday 1 - 8 pm and Saturday 10 am - 1 pm to assist
bushfire-affected residents access grants and other support services. The Hub also
supports other agencies working for bushfire recovery in the Flowerdale area,
including case managers and personal support counsellors

Centrelink will be at the Community Services Hub from 1 to 5pm on Tue, Wed, Thurs,
Fri and Sat 10am to 1pm and will cover all government agencies – Centrelink, Child
Support Agency, ATO, Dept of Immigration & Citizenship, Dept of Health & Aging,
Dept of Employment, Education & Workplace Relations, Dept of Veterans’ Affairs.

Flowerdale Relief Centre

Monday Closed
Tuesday 10-4pm (closed for lunch 12-1)
Wednesday 10-4pm (closed for lunch 12-1)
Thursday 10-4pm (closed for lunch 12-1)
Friday 10-4pm (closed for lunch 12-1)
Saturday 9-12noon
Food assistance continues to be available. To access this service contact Diane
57802625 or visit the relief centre during opening times.

Other contacts & information

Feeding Wildlife
If you are interested in feeding local wildlife on your property please contact Adrianna
Simmons on 0423 242 037 and Wildlife Victoria will supply food. Registered Wildlife
Shelters please contact Adrianna as well.

Support to Small Business

Small businesses in bushfire affected areas that were not burnt out but are
experiencing financial hardship as a result of the bushfires maybe eligible for grants of
up to $5,000 initially. Call the Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.
Exceptional Hardship Support Payment
You are eligible for the Exceptional Hardship Support Payment of up to $8,000 if, as a
result of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires, you have freely and selflessly provided
substantial, exceptional and unique support or services to bushfire affected
communities through the operation of your business or utilisation of your skills in
business, and you are suffering hardship as a result of providing that support and
charity. For further information on eligibility or assistance in applying, contact the
Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.

The Victorian Bushfire Case Management Service

This service is providing all Victorians affected by the bushfires with the support they
need to access assistance with matters including accommodation, finance, personal
assistance, employment, education, counselling, health and legal services during this
difficult time.
Call 1800 050 400 to register and your own personal case manager will call you back
within 24 hours.

Important Phone Numbers

DHS Community Hub 57 802 704/0400 399 061 Fax: 57802697
Shire Offices, Alexandra 57 720 333
Yea Police 57 972 630
Gas Bottles/Whittlesea Hardware 9716 2008
Counselling:
Family Care 1800 663 107
Nurse-on-call 1300 606 024 (24hours)
Bushfire Counselling & Support 1300 773 352 (Mon–Fri 9am-5pm)
Vic Bushfire Case Management Service 1800 050 400
Bushfire Building Advice Line 1300 360 320 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm)
Flowerdale Community House Odette Hunter 0429 012 129
(Tues 57 802 664)
Salvation Army (Diane) 57 802 625
Financial Ombudsman Service 1800 337 444 or email GIDisaster@fos.org.au
Fencing Hotline 1800 255 925
Victorian Farmers Federation Hotline 1300 882 833
VicRoads 131170 (Road side hazards eg: animals, gutter to
be cleared, other dangers – Only on Main Roads,
other side roads ring the Shire)