Nov 2009 - Signpost Magazine

www.signpostmagazine.org.au

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make it happen

I believe 

All you need to know about 

Emerald’s Local Emergency Plan 

By Wayne Collins, Principal Echo Inc Ministries 

Emerald is one 

of the best prepared 

communities in Victoria 

when it comes to the ability to 

respond to and recover from 

natural disasters. 

This is a bold statement; 

let me give you the history that 

forged what I believe is one of 

the best Local Emergency Plans 

in the state. 

Emerald’s first Local 

Emergency Plan was drawn up 

by Garry Huntington the then 

Police sergeant at Emerald 

after the Ash Wednesday 

fires in 1983. Garry saw 

the desperate need for local 

emergency services, medical 

practitioners and recovery 

agencies like St. Mark’s to 

get together and work out 

how they were going to 

respond as a team during 

an emergency, immediately 

after an emergency and 

then long term in aiding 

recovery. 

In those days the 

value of local plans was 

underestimated and in fact 

frowned upon by most 

authorities. So, for years 

the plan only saw the light 

Locals gathered at Emerald 

Community Hall to take 

part in an open forum Bushfire 

Awareness Week program 

with 774 ABC Melbourne’s 

commentator Jon Faine. 

Among others, Faine 

interviewed Premier John 

of day at the annual unofficial 

meeting of local emergency 

services heads, local medical staff 

and St. Mark’s. 

Thank goodness times have 

changed and along with the 

horrific experiences of Black 

Saturday 2009, have convinced 

authorities that local response 

plans are not just beneficial but 

critical. The research is clear; 

communities that respond quickly 

in an organised, grass roots, well 

led way, during and after an 

Jon Faine with local school children at Emerald 

Brumby and CFA Chief Officer 

Russell Rees. 

In the hot seat Minister for 

Sport, Recreation, Youth Affairs 

and Minister Assisting the Premier 

on Multicultural Affairs Member 

for Monbulk James Merlino 

fielded questions from the floor. 

emergency, recover much faster 

than those who aren’t collectively 

prepared. 

What is Emerald’s 

Local Emergency plan? 

This is the way the plan is 

designed to operate when a local 

emergency arises. 

An Incident Control Centre 

(ICC) is established when a major 

incident occurs. This centre is 

based at Belgrave CFA for our 

region (Region 13) and would be 

activated. 

The St. Mark’s Relief Centre 

coordinator (St. Mark’s is the 

designated relief center for this 

area), will then send the Relief 

Centre liaison officer to join the 

ICC team. 

Various sections of 

the community including 

Neighbourhood Houses spoke 

of the potential roles they played 

both pre and post bushfire and 

residents had the opportunity to 

express their concerns. 

Director of the youth agency 

ECHO Inc in Emerald Wayne 

At this stage the Cardinia Shire 

Municipal Emergency Response 

Officer (MERO) would also be 

notified and the MECC opened. 

The Relief Centre at St. 

Mark’s would then begin to 

mobilise volunteer teams who 

will be required for recovery and 

assistance during and after the 

emergency. 

The relief centre will also 

activate the Emerald Medical 

Centre as an emergency 

medical centre and maintain 

communications 

with staff. 

During school 

days Emerald 

Secondary College, 

Emerald Primary 

School and Emerald 

Pre School will 

be kept updated 

on developments 

by the St. Mark’s 

relief centre as well 

as the Education 

Department. 

Places like 

Fernlea House, The 

Glades and Emerald 

C o m m u n i t y 

House will also 

be notified about 

the emergency, 

with places like 

the Community 

House getting 

ready for their 

role in the recovery phase. 

St. Mark’s relief centre 

becomes a clearing house 

for information about the 

emergency. The mobile phone 

system and ABC radio are the 

official and preferred ways that the 

...continued Page 5 

Collins said a post bushfire plan 

formulated for the town 25 years 

ago had recently been updated 

and was ready to be activated if 

and when needed. 

In the New Year St. Mark’s will 

open the church every Monday 

evening for people who want to 

pray for bushfire safety. ♦ 

November 2009 - Signpost Community Magazine 3

Cover Photo: Little Gem Nursery, 40 Livio 

Drive Gembrook. 

Photos courtesy Jean Hayne. 

Layout Ash Jamieson. 

Signpost Office: 

1-3 Church Street, Emerald VIC 3782 

P: 5968 2855 F: 5968 2854 

E: editor@signpostmagazine.org.au 

www.signpostmagazine.org.au 

Signpost Production Team: 

Editor in Chief Peter Crawford; Editor/Writer 

Jean Hayne; Desktop Publishing Ash Jamieson; 

Proof Readers Diana McMahon. 

Contributors: 

Wayne Collins, Ash jamieson, Genseric Parker, 

Melisa Hepworth, Trish Bull, Mark Davidson, 

Graeme Legge, Peter Haddow, Yesha McKenzie, 

Lynne Coombs, Jan Cheshire, Bill Clohesy, Dennis 

Dawson, Owen Dempler, Suzanne Scott, Robyn 

Lobbe. 

Published by: 

St. Mark's Church, Emerald 

Printed by: 

Roda Graphics Australia Pty Ltd, 

Shop 4/1 Victoria Rd, Kinglake 3763. 

P: 03 5786 2178 M: 0411 231 302 

E: rodagraphics@bigpond.com 

Signpost is distributed to: 

Clematis, Emerald, Avonsleigh, Macclesfield, 

Cockatoo, Beaconsfield Upper and Gembrook. 

Advertising/Subscriptions: 

Contact Jean Hayne or Rosanne Asling 

on 5968 2855 

Disclaimer: 

Views and comments expressed in this magazine 

are not necessarily those of any members of 

Signpost Community Magazine (SCM) unless 

acknowledged as such. Products or services 

listed in the magazine should not be considered 

endorsements. While every effort is made to 

ensure accuracy of editorial content, SCM takes 

no responsibility for errors. 

4 Signpost Community Magazine - November 2009 

remember the first time I I went overseas it deepened 

my appreciation of Emerald. 

Having seen countries and places 

that were of great beauty I 

returned to look at the hills with 

the eyes of a tourist. The beauty 

was fantastic, and caused me 

to say there is nothing better 

anywhere; how lucky we are to 

live here. 

This spring has driven 

home the same reaction. It is 

a magnificent time with such 

It seems that everywhere I 

go lately people are talking 

bushfire. This is understandable as, 

highlighted by Bushfire Awareness 

Week; the Dandenongs are 

Peter's Pen 

good rain. The colour of new 

oak leaves, the perfumes, the 

birdsong, the blossoms. One 

of my favourite flowers is the 

waratah; I took a bunch to my 

Dad, who is 95 and living in a 

retirement home – they created 

a sensation amongst the poor 

suburbanites who don’t see 

what we do. 

Last week I had a 

small bonfire as part of 

bushfire preparation and 

Thoughts from 

tipped to be under particular 

threat this summer. Of course, we 

all have to be bushfire ready. But 

living under the constant media 

bombardment is getting me 

down. 

At home we are doing what 

we can to clean up around the 

place and we will maintain that, 

but it doesn’t alter the fact that 

we live in a leafy street and there 

when I went back to the fire 

there was a young male koala 

sitting there with his back to 

the fire warming himself. 

We live in a wonderful place 

in good communities – I hope 

we don’t take it for granted but 

say thank you each day. ♦ 

are several huge trees on, and 

neighbouring our property. 

I have now come to the point 

that having prepared our home 

and personal effects the best 

way we can, I am going to do my 

best to let the threat of bushfire 

take a back seat and not become 

a victim of it before time. ♦ 

SIGNPOST DEADLINE 15th of the Month 

Ph: 5968 2855 Fax: 5968 2854 

email: editor@signpostmagazine.org.au 

Great Christmas ‘Stocking Stuffer’ 

‘Everything is out of control; smoke, heat, the threat 

of bushfire and the internal struggle to 

stay or go. Then the decision is made...’ 

Written by local author Jean Hayne, this novel is 

recommended reading by CFA Victoria and Cardinia 

Shire Council for its unique and positive outlook in the 

face of danger and bushfire recovery. 

Pick up your copy at: 

Signpost Magazine office, 1 Church Street, Emerald 

(next to Emerald Op Shop), 

Concept Books, Main Road, Monbulk, 

Internet at bumpyroadbooks@hotmail.com 

or order over the phone (03) 5968 6857. 

The Rev 

Dr Peter Crawford 

the Dungeon with Jean Hayne

fire threat situation and updates will 

be communicated to the public, but 

the relief centre will also be able to 

provide local updates. 

The Relief Centre 

Liaison Officer at the ICC 

will keep the Relief Centre 

Coordinator updated on 

developments during the 

emergency. 

The Relief Centre 

Coordinator will communicate 

the town’s needs to the ICC 

who will organise the dispatch 

to Emerald of critical items 

like generators, tents, bedding, 

etc. 

What about after the 

fires? 

Once the emergency has passed, 

Emerald Junior Football Oval is the 

most likely place where the main 

recovery activities will take place 

including Red Cross registration, 

food and clothing distribution, 

insurance claims etc. 

St. Mark’s Relief Centre 

will operate as a respite base for 

counsellors, chaplains, recovery teams 

and emergency services personnel, 

Victorian Council of Churches staff 

and volunteers (DHS approved 

recovery organisation teams) to 

spend some of their down time, as 

well as a place where information 

can be gathered by locals. 

Our experience in Whittlesea 

after Black Saturday highlighted the 

need for a community centre for 

locals that was isolated from the 

hectic pace and activity of a large 

relief effort. The larger centre rightly 

focuses on much needed bulk items 

like food etc and the vital support 

services like insurance advisors, Red 

Cross, DHS, etc. However, locals 

need to access locals who can just 

talk them through an update of what 

is happening in their community as 

well as how they can help with the 

recovery process. 

How can the Local 

Emergency Plan and 

St. Mark’s Relief 

Centre help the 

people of Emerald? 

The centre will be able to 

provide information concerning the 

emergency in terms of its effects on 

the local area. 

If you lose your house in a 

fire or can’t return to your house 

after the fire has passed. We may 

be providing short term overnight 

accommodation and food until 

Emergency Service volunteers enjoy the BBQ after the service of appreciation held at 

St. Mark's Church in Emerald 

longer term accommodation can be 

found. 

We will have staff available 

straight after the threat has passed 

to talk to anyone affected by the 

emergency. 

We will begin a register as soon 

as people arrive that will in time be 

passed on to Red Cross volunteers 

for use in locating people. 

We will be helping to feed 

emergency services volunteers. 

We will provide an alternative 

to people going to emergency 

service bases like the CFA station 

for information, thereby freeing up 

emergency services personnel from 

answering questions and allowing 

them to focus on their job. 

How can the people 

of Emerald help 

the centre and be 

involved in the local 

plan? 

You can put your name forward 

as a volunteer; we will organise a 

police check for you and try to place 

you in an appropriate team. 

You can notify us if you have 

specialist equipment you would be 

willing to let us use like generators, etc 

so we can add them to our register. 

You can let neighbours and 

friends know about the Local 

Emergency Plan. 

If you represent a community 

organisation and want to offer your 

group’s services, contact us and we will 

discuss your group being registered as 

an official support group. 

My prayer has been that we will 

never have to activate this plan. I 

hope your summer is a safe one; be 

prepared with your own personal plan 

and keep an eye on elderly neighbours 

who may not have anyone to support 

them. ♦ 

You can contact me on 

59684460 during business hours 

or via email at wayne.collins@ 

echo.org.au 


Getting the best from 

your telephoto lens 

By Ash Jamieson, Vizzisign Digital 

Though telephoto lenses 

are all the rage with 

digital camera users, 

it seems many don’t really 

get the best results from their 

equipment. 

A few easy to apply rules can 

make the difference between 

good and terrific shots. 

Of course the most advised 

precaution when using a lens 


with a long focal length (greater 

than 100mm) is to mount the 

camera on a tripod or rest it on 

a firm surface when taking the 

shot. Very sound advice indeed. 

There is a key aspect in the 

behavior of telephoto lenses 

which once understood can be 

adjusted quite easily with various 

settings and features of the 

camera itself. It is the ‘speed’ of 

This galah was taken using a 300mm Canon lens fixed on a 5D Mk1 camera 

the lens (telephoto lenses are 

much slower than a standard 

lens). 

Lens speed is expressed with a 

ratio number something like 1:1.4 

which essentially denotes how 

much light the lens will allow to 

pass through it at its optimum. 

The lower the second number 

the greater amount of light can 

pass and so the ‘faster’ the lens. 

A good quality 100mm 

telephoto lens will be typically 

rated at 1:2.8, a 200mm at 1:4. 

(Zoom lenses complicate this 

somewhat as the speed of the 

lens varies according to the 

amount of zoom being applied at 

the time – the greater the zoom 

being used, the ‘slower’ the lens) 

Lens speed (slower) causes 

one of the most common issues 

experienced; loss of depth 

of field*, usually caused by 

operating the camera in AUTO 

or PROGRAM mode. 

These modes are designed 

to capture the ‘best’ image 

every time by compensating for 

camera movement. The camera 

automatically sets the highest 

possible shutter speed / aperture 

combination for each shot which 

usually results in a shallow depth 

of field. Retaining a greater depth 

of field in your images can be 

accomplished in two ways: 

Increase the ISO setting 

of the camera – ISO400 will 

still yield very good images and 

enable use of a higher shutter 

speed/aperture combination. 

Change to MANUAL mode 

and set the aperture to f8 or 

higher and adjust the shutter 

speed to accommodate. 

* Depth of field is exhibited as 

loss of focus beyond the subject and is 

governed by the size of aperture used 

– the lower the ‘f’ setting the shallower 

the depth of field. The challenge is to 

balance shutter speed and aperture 

for the desired effect. Any increase in 

aperture number has to be compensated 

with a slower shutter. ♦

Upwey & District 

Community Finance 

Limited resolved 

to change the Company 

name to Dandenong Ranges 

Community Finance Limited 

at its 11th Annual General 

Meeting recently. 

Chairman Peter Marke 

said the change will help 

clearly identify and be more 

representative of the business 

catchment. 

“As we now own and operate 

branches in Upwey, Belgrave 

and Cockatoo, have connections 

to the Emerald Agency and are 

soon to open a sub branch in 

Olinda, it is 

appropriate 

that our 

name reflect 

this area. 

Mr Marke 

a l s o 

highlighted 

it has been 

exactly 11 

years since 

the opening 

of the Upwey Community 

Bank® branch. 

“Upwey was the first 

metropolitan Community Bank® 

branch to open its doors and we 

are proud to say that with the 

support of our communities, 

we have gone from strength to 

strength and the future looks 

bright,” he said. 

“We have now joined with 

the Emerald agency and hope 

to further develop relationships 

with Emerald residents and 

community groups. 

“Significant grant, sponsorship 

and scholarship monies have 

Senior Group Manager Mike Flemming, Alison Burr our Bendigo 

Bank Regional Manager and Peter Marke the Chairman of 

Dandenong Ranges Community Finance Limited cutting the cake! 

Cockatoo 

Post Office 

Bill Pay, Bank@Post 

Recharge Vouchers 

Mobile Phones 

Haberdashery, Cards, Gifts 

Passport Interviews 

Passport Photos 

Australiana and much more 

Ph: 5968 8109 

Fax: 5968 9812 

Fax and Photocopying Available 

Community Bank® 

Company expands and 

changes name 

By Melisa Hepworth 

A001035 

already been distributed to the 

schools and community groups 

in the Emerald area and we 

look forward to increasing this 

amount as our business volumes 

increase. 

“Branch Manager of 

Cockatoo/Gembrook 

Community Bank® branch, 

Cory Sullivan is looking forward 

to meeting and assisting new 

and existing customers from the 

Emerald area.” 

Cory is available for 

appointments by contacting 

the Cockatoo/Gembrook 

Branch on 5968 8831 or 

Emerald Agency on 5968 

4222, and is happy to meet 

customers at the Emerald 

Agency, Cockatoo/Gembrook 

branch, their place of business 

or home.♦ 

The Apple Pot 

NOW 

New Owners 

Exciting New 

Stock 

Aordable 

Prices 

Shop 7/5 - 7 Kilvington Drive 

Emerald 5968 5666 


World War 11: To the Middle East on the Queen Mary 

Leaving Puckapunyal, we 

caught the train to Seymour 

for Sydney, to go to the 

Middle East on the Queen Mary. 

For the train journey I was given 

a rifle and told to guard a chap by 

the name of O’Brien. Apparently 

O’Brien had dodged two drafts. 

Although now that I am in my 

96 th year I have shrunk four inches, 

at that time I was five foot and eight 

inches and weighed 12 stone and had 

done quite a bit of boxing (and daily 

farm work for 13 years!) so the army 

must have thought I was a suitable 

person to guard him. 

I told him to ‘behave himself’ 

and we got along quite well, though 

I couldn’t have a sleep of course! 

When we got to Sydney I handed 

him over to the Military Police. 

We had to be ferried out to the 

Queen Mary well out in the harbour, 

as, requiring a depth of 34 feet; she 

could not draw up the wharf. Hobart 

was the only Australian 

wharf which could have 

accommodated her. 

We boarded at 2am 

and along with the Queen 

Elizabeth and HMAS 

Sydney as our escort, we 

left Sydney later that day. 

The HMAS Sydney 

led the way a mile ahead 

of the two troop carrying 

ships. There was also a mile between 

the Queen Mary and the Queen 

Elizabeth to the right and left of the 

Sydney. 

We proceeded at a good speed 

until we got to the Great Australian 

Bight where rough seas reduced the 

Sydney to 11 knots. The weather 

even washed a lifeboat overboard. 

Imagine how our progress was 

restricted when we were capable of 

doing 34 knots. We anchored off 

Freemantle to do some refuelling 

and the HMS Gloucester became 

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A001056 

By Genseric Parker OAM 

our escort. 

Our next stop was Trincomalee, 

off Colombo, and from where we 

continued to the mouth of the Red 

Sea, where our escort left us. Our 

two ships sped at their full pace of 

34 knots up the Red Sea, too fast for 

any submarines to catch us. 

There were lots of duties to be 

done on the ship, so my mate Wal 

Dawson and I volunteered for fire 

patrol, which meant we could go 

all over the ship except the nurses’ 

quarters!!! 

We enjoyed our good look over 

the ship and eventually ended up on 

the engine room where we met the 

engineer; a very approachable man. 

He must of liked us as he invited 

us to stay for dinner so he could tell 

us a lot more about the ship. 

The engineer explained to us the 

working of the engine, which was 

capable of driving the 81,000 ton 

Queen Mary at 34 knots per hour. 

We only had 6000 troops on board, 

but the Queen Elizabeth, of 84,000 

tons, was carrying 8000 troops. It 

had actually not been completely 

furnished at the time war broke out, 

so it had more room. 

At night the ‘smell of socks’ was 

so great that each night Wal and I 

would take our blankets and sleep up 

on the promenade deck! We would 

then take our walk of four times 

round the deck before breakfast. 

This distance was one mile. 

One fine day, when going 

through the Red Sea, I was up on 

deck, when heading right across our 

pathway was a local boat called a 

dhow. It showed no sign of deviating, 

so when it was too close for comfort 

the captain must have ‘put his foot 

down’ as the Queen Mary nearly 

jumped out of the water with its 

rush of speed. 

I was at the rear of the ship 

eating an apple and the dhow passed 

so close that I could have thrown 

the apple core on its deck. It was 

believed that the dhow was loaded 

with explosives. 

We continued on, and finished 

our glorious 17 day journey in Egypt 

at Port Tufek. We were taken ashore 

on barges, as, like in Sydney, there 

was not 34 feet depth of water to 

accommodate the mooring. 

Two days later I was on guard at 

the guard-house where the prisoners 

were kept. Outside, the prisoners 

were being tried by the Military 

Court. One of them was O’Brien 

who had tried to escape in Eygpt. 

It makes me wonder why the army 

ever sent him over. ♦

Emerald Tennis Club Marcia Barber 

Sportsmanship and Endeavour Award 

By Sue Farr 

Two junior players at 

Emerald Tennis Club 

have been awarded the 

‘Marcia Barber Sportsmanship 

and Endeavour Award’, named 

after a life member of the club. 

Steven Shankly has only been 

playing tennis for some three 

years, but has rapidly improved 

and now plays in Boys 6. He 

is a very willing participant in 

competition, always available 

to step in when needed, and 

is a pleasant young man 

to have around the club. 

Hayley Farr has played for 

Steven Shankly and Hayley Farr receiving their trophies 

many seasons, commencing 

at the age of nine, and has 

progressed through to now 

playing in Girls 1. She has a 

very happy disposition around 

the club and fits in easily and 

willingly to any club activities. 

Upon receipt of her trophy, 

she very happily pointed out 

that although she had never 

won a premiership but had won 

several runners-up, she was very 

excited to finally have an award 

for her many seasons of tennis. 

Both of these juniors have already 

played in the senior night tennis 

competition, and their good 

sportsmanship is deserving of 

recognition for this club award. 

Trophies have also been 

awarded to junior Club 

Champions - Will Jenkins/ 

Jay Anile, Ashlee Whitworth/ 

Ashlea Sinclair and Emily 

Prato/Alexandra Skendzik..♦ 

Inspiration for 

Living 

With Helen Steiner Rice 

Love works in ways 

That are wondrous and 

strange. 

There’s nothing in life 

That love cannot change. 

“A soft answer turns away 

wrath, 

But a harsh word stirs up 

anger.” 

Proverbs 15:1 

Today be an example of 

agape love. 

Be patient, kind, forgiving 

and humble. 

We want YOUR 

tales! 

Just as you enjoy reading 

other people's stories and 

experiences in Signpost, 

there is a whole readership 

out there that will enjoy 

yours. Don't be shy! 

email, post or drop in a 

story today. 


Blossoms in 

the Blood... 

From Trish Bull, Little Gem Nursery & Landscaping 

I w a s 

born in Ferntree 

Gully and grew up 

in Emerald. Nursery work was 

born in my blood. 

When I was five I would 

holiday at Kallista with my 

gran and grandpa and they ran 

a wholesale tree nursery and I 

watered the big trees in pots and 

helped with the weeding. 

Grandpa then started his own 

retail nursery at Montrose and 

Dad worked for him. I would go 

over on weekends and sell cut 

ROSES ALL 

THE WAY 

By Mark Davidson 

November, and roses 

blooms are bursting 

out everywhere. 

Wonderful to see them, 

and surprising how resilient 

they are. If you really want 

gorgeous blooms, delicious 

fragrance and plants that 

f l o w e r s 

that Mum and Dad grew. We sat 

on the edge of the road outside 

the nursery and had a lot of 

lovely, regular customers. 

Mum and Gran ran a florist 

business from home. Mum, Pat 

Lucas, started a retail nursery 

‘Mountain Dew’ where Mitre 

10 Garden Supplies now is in 

Emerald. I helped Mum after 

school and on weekends. 

I moved to Mansfield, married 

are incredibly tough and 

water wise, then do yourself a 

favour and plant some roses; 

lots of potted ones are about 

in garden centres. 

Of course, with roses come 

the aphids, drat them! They 

reproduce with astonishing 

speed, rivaling weeds, but there 

is an upside to the aphid plague 

and that’s the fun demolishing 

them. No need to reach for 

insecticides, when a good round 

K&D Firewood 

FREE DELIVERY FREE DELIVERY 

Red Gum 2 cubic metres $250.00 

1 cubic metre $130.00 

Dry local wood per cubic metre $100.00 

Bagged kindling 8Kg $8.00 

15Kg $20.00 

call David Vernon on 

5968 1624 A001043 


and had two children. Here I 

had the pleasure of restoring an 

overgrown, old Edna Walling 

garden to its former glory. It 

was planted in the early 1920s 

and had lovely established trees, 

dry-stone walls and paths, many 

of which were covered with 

inches of composted leaves and 

suckering undergrowth. 

The garden was three acres 

and we opened it to the public 

and it was also open to the ABC 

garden scheme. 

I have had the pleasure of 

working with many nurseries 

and over 10 years ago moved to 

Gembrook and started my own 

wholesale nursery Little Gem 

Nursery & Landscaping. We 

now have combined landscaping 

with the nursery offering clients 

an affordable garden make-over 

with plants at wholesale prices. 

My daughter Caitlyn has been 

working in the business since 

of squishing with your fingers is 

all that’s needed. Greenish yellow 

fingers are very ‘in’ this year! 

You could use a mild, less 

toxic product like pyrethrum 

that kills only what it touches, 

and has no residual properties 

on the plants, but pyrethrum is 

toxic to bees, and we all need 

those. Without bees, there can 

be no food crops. So 

squish and enjoy! 

Soon there will be 

Breakfast all day on weekends. 

Live entertainment Friday & Saturday nights 

Karaoke every Thursday nights from 8pm 

Jazz, Blues and Folk Sundays 

Open: 

Mon - Wed 11.30am to 10pm. 

Thur 11.30am to 11.00pm. 

Friday 11.30am to 12.00am. 

Saturday 8.00am. to 1.00am. 

Sunday 10.00am to 10.00pm. 

I started it. She worked after 

school and on weekends like I 

used to. She now works fulltime. 

It was born in her blood too! 

We open to the public on the 

first Saturday of every month. 

My partner Jed works with us 

along with Rose, Michael and 

Tom my son. ♦ 

Little Gem Nursery & 

Landscaping are located at 

40 Livio Drive, Gembrook. 

For more 

information call 

Trish on 

0417 113 772 or 

Caity on 

0428 113 772. 

katydids about too; big ugly 

green, arrogant insects that chew 

great lumps out of rose buds. 

They get the stomp method, as 

do snails. Maybe time hardens 

my resolve with these pests, but 

I refuse any use of insecticides 

in the garden, while I’m perfectly 

able to prowl about in the 

roses, squishing 

and stomping 

d e l i g h t e d l y. 

Besides, I need 

Coming up in November 

6th - Matt Alexander no cc 

13th - Friday 13th dress up 

party/karaoke-prizes 

21st - Jimi Hocking $8 cc 

27th - Sally Robbins 

We can cater for functions 

369-371 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Emerald 

www.emeraldgreenroom.com info@emeraldgreenroom.com 

A001062

Summer Gardening 

ladybirds, praying mantis and 

hoverflies and will not endanger 

them. 

And yes, roses can suffer from 

fungus ailments; but no more so 

than many other plants. (You just 

notice these more on roses.) But if 

roses get a minimum of six hours 

of sunlight daily, are well fed and 

growing strongly, they’re less liable 

to fall prey to black spot. 

It isn’t possible to cure black 

spot, but it is preventable, by 

If you are considering some planting 

to survive the summer, then plan 

carefully, and select only those plants 

that will survive with their heads held 

high. 

1. Think Mediterranean/ South 

African/ Australian: rosemary, lavenders, 

lantanas and citrus in the sun, and 

plectranthus and correas are happy in 

shade. Most daisies and geraniums will 

do well too and give lots of colour. 

2. Think narrow or small leafed plants: 

These don’t lose as much moisture from 

their leaves as plants with bigger leaves: 

catmint and peppermint grass, as well as 

a myriad other grasses and many 

natives. 

3. Look for grey leaves: 

recommended plants in this 

category could be arctotis and 

gazanias with their bright, sunny, 

open flowers. 

4. Think fleshy leaves: 

succulents of all sorts like sedums 

hold moisture in their leaves and 

flower profusely in the heat. 

5. Think hairy leaves: the 

hairs protect the leaves from 

evaporation of moisture. Lambs’ 

ears, is a great ground cover. 

Remember to always… 

1. Soak plants in their pots, in 

a bucket of water until the mix is 

thoroughly wet right through. 

spraying with a copper spray a few 

times a year. Cupric hydroxide is 

the choice and should be directed 

up and under the leaves, especially 

on lower branches, where the 

problem starts. 

The secret is to keep lower 

leaves dry. If that means stripping 

the lower leaves off from time 

to time, then just do it. You can 

combine that with aphid squishing, 

and and cutting blooms for vases. 

Avoid ‘multi use’ sprays that 

Gardening advice for the 

weather to come… By Mark Davidson 

2. Plant in the early evening and water 

deeply to reduce transplant shock. 

3. Mulch heavily after planting, so that 

moisture stays with the roots and doesn’t 

simply evaporate away. 

4. Small plants will always establish 

faster and better than larger ones. 

A visit to the Cranbourne Botanic 

Gardens, where there is a very large 

display of drought tolerant plants can be 

inspiring. 

** Local retailers and growers 

are always happy to help with other 

suggested plants. Don’t be shy. Ask 

them! ♦ 

kill everything in 

sight, fungus and 

everything that 

creeps or flies. 

Keep vegies 

well watered now. 

They need to grow very fast, so feed 

lightly now and every couple of 

weeks for a glorious crop 

of tomatoes, lettuce and 

other summer delights. 

Right now, plant 

beans, cucumbers 

and melons of all 

sorts; sow carrot 

seed, beetroot, 

turnips and keep these 

Emerald Gardens Nursery 

‘NOW OPEN’ 

Huge range of plants available at 

every day low prices 

seeds moist to germinate fast. 

Question time: 

‘Jenny’ asked about codling 

moth on apple trees. The most 

effective ‘Grandpa’ method is to 

wrap strips of old sheeting low 

down around the trunks of the 

trees. Tie tightly, and the 

insects will use it as a 

safe place to reside. 

After a few weeks, 

remove the sheeting 

and dispose of the 

insects you’ll find inside. 

Repeat several times. 

Works a treat! ♦ 

**Bring in this advert for 10% discount off your next purchase** 

77 Emerald-Monbulk Rd, Emerald, 3782 

P: 03 5968 5745 F: 03 5968 5249 M: 0438 684 408 

November 2009 - Signpost Community Magazine 11 

A001060

12 Signpost Community Magazine - November 2009

Does your back yard swimming 

pool or spa have a safety fence? 

By Paul Dunlop Cardinia Council Communications 

Summer is the time of the 

year for many families 

to enjoy those long hot 

days wading in a back yard 

swimming pool or spa … but 

tragedy may not be far away 

if you do not have a complying 

safety fence around your pool 

or spa that restricts entry by 

young children. 

According to the 2009 Royal 

Life Saving Report, drowning 

claimed 302 Australian lives, 

raising the total number of 

drowning deaths by 16 per cent 

on last year’s figures. 

Random site inspections 

are being carried out to check 

properties that have a swimming 

pool or spa comply with the 

regulations. 

The building regulations 

require all owners of properties 

with a pool or spa to restrict 

access by young children to 

their pool or spa by installing 

barriers in accordance with the 

Australian Standard AS1926, 

and the gate must be fitted with 

a self-locking or self-latching 

device at least 1500mm above 

ground level. 

These requirements apply 

to all pools and spas that are 

capable of holding 300mm or 

more of water and regardless 

of when the pool or spa was 

installed. 

A $200 ‘on-the-spot’ Building 

Infringement Notice will be 

served for non compliance. 

Also the court fine for non 

compliance with pool or spa 

safety requirements has increased 

five-fold from $1,000 to a hefty 

$5,000. ♦ 

For more information contact 

Council’s Municipal Building 

Surveyor on 1300 787 624. 

JL 

Auto 

Matics 

03 5968 5052 

Heroes Avenue, Emerald 

. Service & Tune 

. 60 point Safety Check 

. New Car Servicing 

. EFI Tunes 

. Automatic Repairs 

. Manual Gearbox Repairs 

. Power Steering 

. Air-conditioning Re-gas 

. Roadworthy Inspections 


A000947

Cardinia Council gets ready for the fire season 

In November, Council starts 

its annual inspection of 

vacant and unimproved 

properties and issues notices 

to property owners to address 

A10055 

fire hazards. If owners do not 

address fire hazards within the 

time limit, Council may arrange 

for contractors to perform the 

necessary work and invoice 

Rain Water Tanks 

. Australian Made . UV Stabiliser 

. Wide Range of Colours 

Round Tanks 

1,650 Lt - $500 

2,100 Lt - $590 

3,000 Lt - $750 

3,400 Lt - $800 

4,500 Lt - $950 

6,000 Lt - $1250 

a Division of Gembrook & Emerald Smash Repairs 

the property owner. 

As part of its regular 

maintenance program Council 

also identifies and addresses fire 

hazards in parks and reserves. 

NEWS 

- Scott Whitbourn has recently joined our team. 

- FREE car wash when you mention this advert! 

- From 1st November see us for: 

tyres, wheel balances & alignments 


Pumps 

HOT 

Price 

$300 

. 10 Year Warranty 

. Installation also available 

Slimline Tanks 

width 880mm 

1,400 Lt - $750 

2,100 Lt - $890 

2,800 Lt - $1280 

3,150 Lt - $1275 

4,200 Lt - $1700 

Vic Water Plumbing 

Call Andrew 0418 379 536 

In the lead up to the fire season, 

Council and its contractors aim 

to slash every road in the Shire – 

where possible five metres either 

side of the road – more than 

1300 kilometres of roads. ♦ 

WORD OF 

THE MONTH 

'Mettle' 

Meaning: 

quality or strength 

of character, spirit, 

courage. 

For example 

'In the situation they 

found themself in 

they had to be on 

their mettle' 

A001058

Snippets of Emerald History 

by Graeme Legge 

A Little of Emerald Lake 

With the advent of 

a local swimming 

pool in the 1930s, 

residents had ready access 

to the refreshing coolness 

of water in the summer heat 

as well as having a facility 

in which to swim. And even 

many who couldn’t swim were 

not too self-conscious to simply 

walk into the water and splash 

around. 

In all honesty, in the 

days of rainwater tanks 

and when water-levels 

ran low, some were seen 

at the Lake cooling and 

refreshing themselves 

with the benefit of a 

block of soap! 

So it was that the 

younger generation of 

the time were often the 

first in families to be 

able to swim. 

Swimming lessons 

for local school children 

were conducted before 

World War 2 in the 

1930s. Miss May Aisbett 

was one teacher who 

conducted these lessons. 

Then there was Arthur 

Bolton, propagator at 

Nobelius Nursery who also gave 

lessons. Swimming lessons became 

part of the school curriculum in the 

late 1940s. 

Head teacher, Phil Skelton of 

Emerald Township State School 

(now Emerald Primary School) 

taught swimming to the older pupils 

in the Lake. 

At afternoon recess (play time) 

on Friday afternoons, those going 

swimming would leave the school, 

run down the road and along the 

tracks to the Lake and quickly 

change into their bathers and be 

FALCONE & ADAMS 

LAW YERS 

Practising in all areas of law including: 

FAMILY LAW 

Defacto property 

Financial issues 

Children’s issues 

Intervention Orders 

Child support issues 

CIVIL MATTERS 

Building issues 

Employment issues 

Planning issues 

Litigation 

Debt recovery 

Our Local Community Health Centre 

(Next to the Nell Mitchell Opportunity Shop and Opposite Food Works McBride Street, Cockatoo) 

Drop in and see Jane or Brigitte or call 5968 7000 they can organise 

appointments at the Cockatoo site for: 

Counselling Financial Counselling Physiotherapy 

Diabetes Education Occupational Therapy Pap tests and women’s health 

Podiatry Nail Care Clinic Cockatoo and Hills No Interest 

Loan Scheme (NILS) 

CRIMINAL LAW 

Police charges 

Traffi c offences 

Victims of Crime matters 

Trials 

Appearing at all courts 

PERSONAL 

Conveyancing 

Business 

Leases 

Wills 

Estates 

offi ce@falconeadams.com.au 

ready for Mr Skelton’s arrival by car. 

The children’s pool was used 

for instruction in leg-kicking 

and arm-stroke practice. Upon 

swimming one length of the 

children’s pool a swimmer 

qualified for the ‘Herald 

Certificate’; two lengths earned 

the ‘Junior Certificate’. 

Diving instruction saw 

children lined up, standing on 

one end of a stone wall at the 

end of the children’s pool. In 

turn, each stood at the end of 

the wall, feet together; arms 

raised above the head followed 

by the instruction ‘Go in head 

first’. 

For any who seemed likely 

to jump instead, Mr Skelton 

was not beyond thrusting out 

his arm in front of the wouldbe 

diver’s ankles thus ensuring 

that ‘head first’ it was. 

Children were dismissed 

from swimming lessons at the 

lake to make their own ways home. 

This was often an adventure in 

Free or low cost No referrals needed Confidential 

Other services such as Dental Optometry Speech Pathology 0-5 Rehabilitation 

Chronic Disease Management Massage Aged and Disability Services 

Drug and Alcohol and Gambling counselling are available at Pakenham or other sites 

Needle Syringe Program available 

Maybe you would like to join the following programs at Cockatoo: 

Strength Training Song and Rhyme time for children (0-2) 

Hills Community Garden Cockatoo Men’s Shed 

Kiddley Gym-Pre School Hatha Yoga classes (private fee applies) 

Come in and say hello we are always happy to see you 

Talk to us about how to book rooms for local meetings and individual business. (eg. Massage/Bowen etc) 

Provided by Cardinia-Casey Community Health Services-Southern Health 

A001012 

A000737 

EMERALD 

323A Main Street 

Tel. 5968 3666 

PAKENHAM 

Suite 1, 25 John Street 

Tel. 5941 8841 

itself – passing fruit trees with 

delicious but ‘green’ apples to feast 

upon and playing games. It was 

usually a leisurely trip walking up the 

hill from the lake. 

Later, with ‘safety’ in mind, 

school children were ‘bussed’ to the 

lake and returned for one shilling a 

week. Ray Lockyer, Jack Eudey and 

Hilda Van Den Dungen were among 

the volunteer, trained instructors 

who led the program. 

An anchored ‘raft’ floated in the 

centre of the lake as a safety measure 

upon which tired swimmers could 

rest. 

The distance across the lake was 

underestimated by some swimmers, 

so the raft provided relief. But it 

was also a great source of play as a 

floating platform. 

The raft was made of eight 

‘forty-four gallon’ drums with 

sturdy timber decking. A number 

of lifebuoys were also strategically 

located around the lake ready for 

immediate assistance. 

There came a time when 

Emerald Life Saving Club was 

formed and went into action when 

swimmers ‘got into trouble’. In 

February, 1960 the club rooms 

were officially opened and a grand 

occasion it was. 

Sir John Latham was escorted by 

the bagpipes of the Victorian Police 

Pipe Band to the grounds of the 

club house. Sir John said in his 

gracious remarks that ‘Emerald 

is no less a jewel than the stone 

after which it was named, and 

that the lake is its highest facet.’ 

Residents continue to 

cherish the lake and its beautiful 

surroundings with all its walks, 

parklands and playgrounds far 

beyond the swimming season. ♦ 


3MDR Sounds Like This... 

By Peter Haddow 

(The Maestro) 

Big Gig 

The 3MDR BiG GiG is 

back, helping to raise 

funds and the profile 

of your local radio station. 

Mark it down in your diary or 

calendar as a must see, must 

do! 

You won’t want to miss the 


opportunity to see some great 

artists, meet presenters from 

3MDR who will be only too 

happy to speak to you about 

their programs, have the chance 

to win some great door prizes 

and take part in the raffle. 

Times for each artist are 

as follows: 

1pm: Banjo (acoustic roots), 

2pm: Jaimi Faulkner (solo 

blues), 3pm: Kerri Simpson 

(Blues, alt country and gospel), 

4pm: Louis King and the Liars Club (Rockabilly), 

5pm: Lloyd Spiegel 

(Guitar heaven), 6pm: 

The Morning After (Indie 

Rock), 7pm: Fats Wah 

Wah (Blues/reggae/ 

and other necessities 

funk fusion) Local, 8pm: 

Spectrum (Legends of 

Australian groove), 9pm: 

Afro Sunday (Funk/ 

reggae/pop) Local, 10pm: 

Cold Snap (Electric 

Chicago blues). 

Check out the 

www.3mdr.com 

website. All programs 

stream live via the internet. 

Tune in the fm band at 

97.1fm. ♦ 

Entry 

Adult $20 

Kids FREE 

Artists 

Banjo 

Jaimi Faulkner 

Kerri Simpson 

Louis King & 

The Liars Club 

Lloyd Spiegel 

Morning After 

Fats Wah Wah 

Spectrum 

Afro Sunday 

Cold Snap 

A001058 

Photograph: Kerri Simpson performing in Emerald in 

April this year 

W 

@ Emerald 

* 

Final Little Rippers 

Meeting 2009! 

I t’s 

party time at the library! 

Celebrate the last Little 

Rippers meeting for 2009 

on Thursday 19 November, 

4.00-5.00pm. Bring a plate 

to share and enjoy Christmas 

activities and heaps of fun. All 

Little Rippers welcome. 

*Caravanning Around OZ! 

Wednesday 25th November, 

7.00-8.30pm. Free, but Bookings 

essential. 

Popular travel writer and

Hard and green 

waste collections 

coming up 

With summer and 

another fire season 

approaching, Cardinia Shire 

Council is urging residents 

to start preparing now for 

the green and hard waste 

collections in November. 

Trucks will not return for 

material put out late, but will 

return for missed collections 

if residents contact WM Waste 

Management by the Monday 

after the scheduled collection 

dates. 

For detailed information 

about what can be placed out 

for collection and scheduled 

collection dates visits www. 

cardinia.vic.gov.au or telephone 

1300 787 624. ♦ 

If your rubbish bin is 

emptied: 

Monday Morning (bin 

out Sunday night) 

Tuesday Morning (bin 

out Monday night) 

Wednesday Morning 

(Bin out Tuesday night) 

B-SCeNE 

hat's Happening 

Library in November? 

By Lynne Coombs 

photographer Lionel Mussell 

will talk about caravanning 

and demonstrate how to plan 

for your around Australia 

caravanning or around Victoria 

trip. See www.caravanningoz.com 

for more information 

about Lionel! 

*Colour Printing and 

Photocopying Now Available 

Emerald Library has installed 

a new photocopier/printer 

which produces black and white 

or colour, in A4 or A3 sizes. 

The cost of a standard black 

Kids Fun Run with “Thomas the Tank Engine” 

– Great Fun For All The Family 

The 8th annual running of the Kids Fun Run with “Thomas the Tank Engine” is the only event of its 

type in the world starring “Thomas” and is taking place at Puffing Billy’s Railway Station located in 

Gembrook on Sunday November 15, 2009 with all proceeds going to the Children’s Cancer Ward at 

Monash Medical Centre. 

Kids have the opportunity to run in one of six (6) Fun Runs with age categories and distances 

from 150 – 1650m. 

All runners receive a show bag and an “I Ran with Thomas” certificate and for those kids under 9 an 

exciting ‘Thomas’ hunt will be taking place. 

“What is really special is that proceeds from this event will provide a new educational facility 

Classroom to Bedside Programme in the Children’s Cancer Ward at Monash Medical Centre to help 

change the lives of some very special children…….a way of “Kids helping Kids”. 

Entry is easy, go to www.kidsfunrunwiththomas.org.au 

or phone 0402 751 173 for full details. 

(Melways 312 K10) 

Justice of the Peace 

in attendance at the library each Tuesday between 1.00pm & 3.00pm 

Your green waste / hard 

waste must be out by: 

Your green waste / hard 

waste will be collected 

Contact WM Waste (ph 

9721 1915) on this date if 

your green waste / hard 

waste has been missed 

Monday 23 November 

Sunday 15 November between 16 – 20 

Sunday 22 November 

November 

between 23 – 27 Monday 30 November 

Sunday 29 November 


between 30 Nov – 4 Dec Monday 7 December 

and white copy remains 20 cents 

per A4 page, while the larger 

A3 is available for 30 cents per 

page. Colour copies cost $1.00 

for A4 and $1.50 for A3. Ask 

staff to guide you through the 

new procedure. 

For more information 

phone: 5968 3925. 

Opening Hours: 

Monday: 1pm-6pm, Tuesday: 

1pm-8pm, Wednesday: 1pm- 

8pm, Thursday: 11am-6pm, 

Friday: 11am-6pm, Saturday: 

10am-2.30pm. ♦ 

INVITATION TO: 

COCKATOO 

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE 

ANNUAL GENERAL 

MEETING 

MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2009 1.30pm 

Guest Speaker: DIANE BAIN 

From the COMMUNITY HOUSE NETWORK 

Guest Chair Person: BIANCA BADDOCK 

Community Strengthening Officer at 

Cardinia Shire Council 

Fingerfood and drinks provided. 

Phone: 59 689 031 

E-mail:cnh@netspace.com.au 

23 Bailey Road, 

corner Station Street (Kinder Building) 

Cockatoo 3781 

Please R.S.V.P. by Thursday 20 November 2007. 


A001050 

A001051

SCHooLIES 


Go for Gold! 

Good luck from Signpost 

to all students sitting 

exams in November, whether 

VCE or mature age! The hard 

yakka you’ve put in is sure to 

pay off. 

A good tip for the after 

exam celebrations is to always 

keep $20 and a phone card or 

mobile phone tucked away in 

the hip pocket. Planned lifts can 

fall through, but at least if that 

happens you’ll be able to make 

a phone call to whomever you 

need to and have the price of 

public transport to somewhere 

safe.♦ 

SAVE TIME & PETROL - SHOP LOCAL Concept Books 

sBring this ad into the 

store for a free 

back to school 

gift with 

your 

order! 

Talking Teens 

Do you ever wonder why 

your teenagers aren’t 

listening to you or how to deal 

with their anger? 

Do you want to maintain a 

connection with them? 

How do we talk so they 

listen? 

This is an opportunity to 

call in, ask questions, meet 

other parents and share ideas 

that work! 

Who: Dads, mums and 

carers of teenagers 12 to 17 

years 

When: 7.00 to 9.00 pm, 

Wednesday, November 11 

Where: Emerald 

Neighbourhood House, 354 

Main Street, Emerald 

Cost: Free but bookings 

essential. ♦ 

Contact: Helena at 

Parentzone on 5991 2225 

or mobile 0488 550 490 

School Text & Supplies 

We can supply school texts for any school. Just leave your order with 

us, as early as possible, and pick up before school goes back. 

Home delivery can be arranged. Give us a call for more information. 

We also have a good range of books for Christmas. 

Gift vouchers available. 

Concept Books, 114 Main Road, Monbulk, 3793. 

Phone: 03 9756 6233 Fax: 03 9756 7821 email: conceptbooks@hotmail.com 

Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am to 12.30pm A001057

Smooch... a children's serial 

Following on from 'Paint and Poop' 

‘Smooch the Smoochy’ By Jackie Pinkster 

All 

I ever 

see Smooch do these days is 

sleep. I suppose at 16 years 

a cat doesn’t want do much 

else. She has progressed 

from sleeping on newspaper 

on the counter, to sleeping 

on a heated (yes heated!) 

cushion during the renovations, 

to sleeping on her current 

favourite cushion anywhere 

in the shop. Apparently the 

cushion doesn’t have to be 

heated anymore because the 

whole shop is now heated. 

I often take my two very 

small children into Mitre 10, 

‘Smooch’s Shop’ 

they call it, and we love 

playing ‘where in the shop is 

Smooch’? I hold each of them 

up so they can give Smooch a pat 

while she sleeps on her cushion. 

My 2 year old pats her fur 

the wrong way and grabs at her 

ears and yet she doesn’t flinch. 

What a lovely temperament, 

I think to myself. Although I 

now know it wasn’t always that 

way. It was love that changed 

her, and what a transformation 

it was. 

THE END ♦ 

Emerald City 

Toy Store 

NOW WITH 

Party Supplies 

~ Pinatas 

Helium & Foil Balloons 

Party Favors 

Streamers & Banners 

& Lots More 

Shop 9, 5-7 Kilvington Drive, Emerald, 

Ph: 5968 2039 

Open 6 days a week 

ECHO Inc. presents the 

‘2009 LINKZ GRADUATION’ By Karen Crawford 

The annual graduation of participants in the 2009 Linkz program was attended by 

over 75 people. How amazing to see the growth in confidence and achievement in the 

10 students from Emerald Secondary College over the year. 

Mentors who give their time, talents and skills to assist teens as they settle into 

secondary education were able to show us just how much their young charges had 

learnt and what they had produced. 

A diverse range of carpentry pieces and art works, cooking skills 

and model-building skills were demonstrated. 

Guest speakers from the ANZ Bank Emerald, and Ms Tammy 

Lobato were able to present certificates to each participant and 

encourage these teenagers to continue to learn and strive to reach 

their potential. 

Sincere thanks to all involved from students to parents, teachers and mentors for all the time 

spent with this program. 

The ANZ Staff Foundation has chosen Linkz as one of 12 programs 

to feature in their national campaign to support the fundraising and 

granting of financial assistance to programs such as this. 

Thank you to all involved in making Linkz a nationally successful 

program connecting teenagers with their community. 

New mentors are always welcome. 

Please contact Karen Crawford 0430160886. 


A001044

Brown Coal – Lignite by Peter Hadwen 

A001019 Fifty three billion tons 

– that’s the estimated 

volume of Victoria’s 

brown coal deposits, one of 

A001033 

K & J Automotive P/L 

Specialising in the repair & service of: 

. Cars & 4WDs 

. Motorbikes 

. Ride on Mowers 

. Garden Equipement 

also 

. Spare parts and oils available 

. Business services available 

. Pick up and delivery services available 

100 Station Road,Gembrook 3783 

(Corner of Main Road, Near Puffing Billy Station) 

Contact us on 

5968 1700 or 0433 934 134 

email kjautomotive@aapt.net.au 

Bike Servicing 

& Repairs 

70 David Hill Road 

(cnr. Kenny Lane) 

Monbulk 3793 

Peter & Joan Warren Phone: 9756 7069 


the cornerstones of the state’s 

economy. These days, it is 

fashionable to play down their 

importance because of the 

perceived notion that burning 

brown coal is one of the key 

sources of greenhouse gas 

emissions. About 70 million 

tons/year are mined to feed 

four large power stations that 

supply 85 percent of the state’s 

power needs. 

Peat, the first stage in the 

metamorphosis of vegetable 

matter to coal, is mainly of 

carbon (60-75 percent and 

oxygen 20-35 percent). As it has 

been for millions of years, peat 

is still being formed in swampy 

areas where mild temperatures 

favour luxurious plant life. 

Accumulating at the rate of 

about one metre/1000 years, 

peat contains 90 percent water. 

Through a process of deep 

burial under deltaic conditions, 

peat gradually changes to lignite 

having only 30-40 percent water. 

It is crumbly, liable to 

spontaneous combustion, and 

cheaply obtained by opencast 

mining. It burns quite slowly and 

generates less than 8300 btu*. In 

comparison, bituminous coal (the 

next highest rank in coalification) 

generates 11,000 to 14,000+ btu, 

is black and compact and contains 

little or no moisture. 

The Weekend Australian 

reported (June 6-7, 2009) that the 

state 

government allocated $12 million 

this year to establish an agency, 

Clean Coal Victoria, to consult 

and advise on the future of the 

giant coalfields. 

A project has been devised 

to build a new mine, a drying 

and gasification plant, a gas-toliquids 

plant, and a system to 

capture carbon emissions for 

disposal deeply underground in 

Bass Strait. Conversion to diesel 

fuel in substantial quantities is 

considered likely to be economic. 

Such disposal of carbon 

dioxide (it is called carbon 

sequestration) is considered 

safe based on known thickness 

(exceeding six kilometres) of the 

oil and gas-bearing rocks. 

Petroleum deposits are trapped 

beneath tightly compacted gastight 

shale that prevents escape 

to the surface. After extraction, 

voids in these host rocks and 

other porous strata would be 

filled with the unwanted carbon 

dioxide. 

There is a lot riding on success 

of this project at the local, state 

and national interest level. What 

has not yet been fully established 

is the importance or otherwise 

of carbon dioxide in the global 

warming argument. 

For instance, the roles of 

microscopic particulate matter 

and water vapour in climate 

change have not been fully 

assessed; indeed, past climate 

changes have been extreme and 

rapid, and we do not yet know 

what has driven them, as there 

are so many variables. 

Bearing in mind that carbon 

dioxide in the atmosphere has 

been much higher in the past 

than at present, the exploitation 

of brown coal reserves is likely 

to continue unabated, but 

simultaneously pursuing research 

into cleaner ways of using the 

resource. As one writer recently 

put it, the climate ball is up in the 

air! ♦ 

*1 British thermal unit is the heat 

needed to raise the temperature of 

water by 1 degree F.

Oops! – I know; I’m 

a little early for 

Christmas, but it 

will be here before we know 

it!. I love all the traditional 

Christmas cookery and 

especially enjoy making this 

splendid cake which keeps for 

many months. Mid-November 

is the time to get it started, 

so that you can spend a 

few weeks ‘feeding’ it with 

brandy! 

A few years ago I lost my 

mother’s treasured Christmas 

cake recipe and spent a few 

Christmases trying out other 

recipes, resulting in either 

underdone or overdone cake. 

This recipe by Delia Smith, is 

excellent and turns out perfectly 

cooked every time if you follow 

her advice – see below*. 

SEASON’S EATINGS 

DELIA SMITH’S 

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS 

CAKE 

Ingredients: 

450g currants 

175g sultanas 

175g raisins 

50g glace cherries finely 

chopped 

50g mixed peel 

3 tbsps brandy (cooking 

brandy will do) 

225g plain flour 

½ tsp salt 

¼ tsp fresh nutmeg 

½ tsp mixed spice 

225g butter 

225g soft brown sugar 

4 eggs 

50g almonds chopped (with 

skins) 

1 dessertspoon black treacle 

rind of 1 lemon 

rind of 1 orange 

20cm round or 18cm square 

tin greased and lined with 

greaseproof paper, tie a band 

of brown paper round outside 

of tin 

Method: 

Mix fruit and peel with 

brandy, cover and set aside for 

12 hours 

Pre-heat oven to 140c 

Sift flour, salt and spices 

lifting sieve high to incorporate 

air 

Cream butter and sugar until 

pale and fluffy 

Beat eggs together and add to 

creamed mixture a tablespoonful 

at a time 

Keep mixer running until all 

the egg is mixed 

Fold in the sifted flour, do 

not beat 

Fold in fruit, peel, nuts and 

treacle and lastly lemon and 

orange rinds 

Transfer to the prepared tin, 

spread evenly and cover the top 

Business Sales 

1/321 Main St, Emerald. Ph 5968 4522 

By Jan Cheshire 

of the cake with a double square 

of greaseproof paper with a 50 

cent size hole in centre 

Bake on lowest shelf for 4 ½ 

to 4 ¾ hours. It can take up to ¾ 

hour longer; *do not look until 

at least 4 hours have passed. 

Cool cake for 30 minutes 

then remove to wire rack 

When cold ‘feed’ with 

brandy by poking small holes 

with a skewer into the base of 

the cake and sprinkling with 

cooking brandy (this can be 

repeated weekly) until just before 

Christmas Day. 

Wrap in double greaseproof 

paper secured with an elastic 

band, wrap again in foil or store in 

an airtight tin. 

If desired, this cake can be 

iced either with homemade royal 

icing or shop-bought icing mix. ♦ 

Happy Christmas 

Baking! 

EMERALD $75,000 Negotiable. No reasonable offer refused. 

HILLBILLY PIZZA 

• Fantastic local business established 21 years 

• Walk in/Walk out basis 

• $5,500 + per week takings 

• Great clientele 

• Prime exposure 

• Friendly atmosphere 

• Easily staffed or husband & wife run 

Contact 

Russell Muir 

0408 177 413 

A001054 


Who do You Trust 

There is a group in the 

United States that 

is pushing for all candidates 

putting themselves up for election 

in Public Office, to undertake a 

polygraph test. This, they say, will 

result in only honest people being 

elected to politics. 

I hear many people say 

what a great idea – or is it? The 

opposing argument is that this 

would lead to only the very best 

liars being elected because the 

really honest people would not 

pass the test. What has happened 

to trust? 

Our telephone account is in 

my wife’s name. Even though 

I have all her details including 

secret answers to secret 

questions, I am not allowed to 

enquire into our account details. 

Where is the trust? 

Recently I broke the law. I 

opened a piece of mail that was 

not addressed to me. I have been 

returning the same piece to the 

sender for over twelve months 

with the note – no longer at this 

address. When I opened the letter 

it stated – We have been sending 

notices to you at this address for 

some time and it is returned to 

us with the message – no longer 

Woorilla Word 

by Bill Clohesy 

at this address – please forward 

your current address as we are 

not permitted to obtain your 

address from any other person 

other than yourself. Even if I 

knew of a forwarding address, 

the sender would not be allowed 

to accept it from me. 

What has happened to 

trust? Where has our belief 

in the fact that all people are 

basically honest gone to? Once 

we, as a society, start to mistrust 

everyone, we are only left with 

doubt and insecurity. 

I would rather be wronged 

once, than mistrust everyone I 

know or meet. ♦ 

AVONSLEIGH VETERINARY CLINIC 

24 Hour Animal Care 

Grooming Services with J. Ray 

441 Belgrave-Gembrook Road Avonsleigh Vic 3782 

For appointments call 5968 3957 (24 hours) 

Dr J. A. Hamilton and Associates 


Custom built computer systems and notebooks 

On-site computer & network setup 

Extended warranties on all desktop systems 

Best range of digital still and video cameras 

Peripherals, printers, cables and accessories 

Large airconditioned showroom and repair facility 

Professional advice and technical support support 

Plenty of secure, off street parking 

Established 22 years 

A000689 

Computer 

Chat 

By Dennis Dawson 

By the time you are 

reading this article the 

long awaited release 

of Windows 7 will have taken 

place. The question that has 

been on everyone’s mind for 

the past 12 months is “will it 

be worth the wait?” 

Following the somewhat 

luke warm reception given 

to Windows Vista I suspect 

that Microsoft have been very 

conscious that the computing 

community has been expecting 

great things for their latest 

incarnation of Windows. For 

many months Microsoft have 

been allowing computer users 

to download 

and evaluate 

interim versions 

of Windows 7 

and the common 

consensus is that 

A001053 

it does appear to 

address most of the 

criticisms that were 

levelled at Vista. 

A major part 

of the problem 

was that Windows 

XP was such a 

successful and 

popular operating 

system that many 

computer users 

have been reluctant 

to change. The old 

adage of, if it isn’t 

broken, why fix it certainly rings 

true here. This is especially true 

in the business sector where, in 

difficult financial times, owners 

are reluctant to spend money 

on major upgrades unless they 

can be convinced that there is a 

definite dividend at the end. 

The prospect of having to 

upgrade hardware and retrain 

staff that are already familiar 

and productive with the existing 

software, inevitably results in a 

large degree of inertia when faced 

with an impending upgrade. Of 

course many computer dealers 

have tried to muddy the waters 

by telling prospective purchasers 

that Windows XP is no longer 

available. This is definitely 

not true as XP is still freely 

available on both desktops and 

notebooks. Although Microsoft 

has tried hard to put it to rest, 

the demand from the public has 

guaranteed it has persevered well 

past its planned expiry date. 

Of course whenever a new 

operating system appears there 

are always some who have to line 

up with their credit cards to be 

the first with the latest. Others 

are more conservative and like 

to reserve judgment until the 

jury has made a decision. ♦ 

Happy 

Birthday 


folks!

Out and About 

with Cr Ed 

Chatwin 

The Christmas period 

will soon be with us 

and I was interested 

to read the new road laws. 

The RACV website is very 

informative and you should 

take the time to read and 

digest. 

The Cardinia Shire website 

has a great deal of bushfire 

information and this again is 

worth the effort to read. Both 

websites give you the tools to 

add to your safety in the coming 

months. 

I wish to thank the 

Ranges Ward shop owners 

for their cooperation with 

the implementation of the 

Disabled Discrimination Act 

which requires the footpaths 

to be kept clear for 1.5 metres 

from the building line and 

applies to both private and 

public property. 

The Council at the General 

Council Meeting of October 19, 

2009 has put into motion the use 

of a fulltime parking officer in 

the CBD of the shire principal 

towns. The major priority for 

enforcement will be the no 

standing, disabled parking areas 

and the limited time parking. 

Parking is at a premium and the 

object is ensure that vehicles are 

constantly moving through the 

shopping areas. So beware if 

you are using restricted parking 

areas for all day parking. 

Hopefully by December I 

should have some good news 

regarding land purchases by 

Council in Ranges Ward. ♦ 

We have mail... 

Dear Editor, 

Peter Crawford’s 

these back in our communities, 

yet the more people who exercise 

their ‘right’ not to be vaccinated, 

article in the September ‘09 by re-opening that window, even 

issue of Signpost signalled by a tiny chink, put at risk not 

that the free choice we appear only themselves but people with 

to have in our Australian life- whom they come into contact. 

style in some matters may need We live in a civilised, liberal 

to be curtailed for the common democracy, give or take. Most, 

good, as has been necessary in if not all, of the countries in 

Europe. 

Europe, are even more civilised 

In commenting on this and liberal. They would be 

article, Matt Steckel, in the surprised to be described as 

October issue, seems to be totalitarian. All the dictators have 

saying No Way! He is not gone. The US totalitarian? Then 

going to give up his right not why can’t President Obama 

to vaccinate, even if this means get his Health Reform package 

babies will die, and have died, through? 

in this day and age, of Please, let us not take 

whooping cough. 

on board strident ignorance 

Since Jenner, immunologists about advances in medical 

for generations have successfully achievements. If Matt’s and my 

developed vaccines for whooping parents had not been vaccinated, 

cough, tetanus and diphtheria. we may not be here to write 

Smallpox and polio are all but letters to the paper. 

eradicated. No-one would wish Elisabeth Middleton ♦ 

Spring Specials 

Mouse Play Centres (cages) $50.00 

Large Pet Carry Cage (be fire ready early) $58.00 

Glass Utility Shelves 600mm $5.00 

Cotton Horse Rugs $44.00 

Troy Hoss Gloss Shampoo 1 lt for dogs, horses & cattle $18.00 

Fly Gon Animal Insect Repellent 125 ml $9.25 

Sunglasses $20.00pr 

Live Crickets $5.00/tub 

Paddock & Stable Cleaning - we come to you $45.00/hr 

- Horse Rugs - New and custom made 

- Hire - Paddock vacuum 

Anivac bathing system 

- Fresh pet meat available weekly 

- Accessory and care product sales 

Hours: a Drive through convenience 

Mon to Fri 8.30am - 6.00pm a Friendly, helpful service 

Phone 5968 4714 

1 Emerald - Monbulk Rd, Emerald, 3782 


A001063

COUNCILLOR 

COMMENTS 

Cr Graeme Legge 

Along 

walking 

tracks at 

Emerald 

Lake Park, 

along the 

Multi- 

Use trail, 

a l o n g 

footpaths and in Pepi’s Paddock I’ve 

seen dogs. Dogs on leads! Well behaved 

dogs and cheerful owners. The only 

unpleasant aspect of this whole scene 

is that of dog-droppings! On footpaths 

and beside footpaths and on and on . . 

. Responsible ownership of animals 

includes this aspect, too. Please, dog 

walkers carry plastic bags with you and 

take home this unpleasant item. 

Bushfire meetings in 

Cockatoo, Upper Beaconsfield, 

Gembrook and Emerald have 

all had something to offer and 

from which to benefit. 

I’m in admiration of the 

staffing of these occasions 

and of all the local attendance 

(figures of 200 and 300 


residents!). Much good sharing 

of information and of gaining 

heightened understanding of 

related matters. 

‘Emergency Services 

Appreciation Sunday’ at 

Emerald (St. Mark’s) highlighted 

the community’s recognition of 

the splendid members of all four 

emergency services in the area. 

They do us proudly in tasks we 

wouldn’t want to do or tasks that 

are beyond our capacities. We 

salute them. 

Certificates of Appreciation, 

signed by representatives 

from Federal Government, 

State Government and Local 

Government, showed the 

breadth of that appreciation 

that was expressed. (PS I think 

they enjoyed the lunch provided 

for them afterwards.) 

I cherish the service given to 

the nation and to the Cockatoo 

community by the late Bob 

Simonds – member of St. 

Luke’s and member/president 

Cockatoo RSL. 

I also note the passing of the 

late Bert Bergwerf of Emerald. 

Bert served Emerald as fire 

captain (1969-72) as well as with 

other local groups such as the 

school committee. 

‘Linkz’ graduation at 

Emerald Secondary College 

celebrated the coming together 

of adults and students in a 

special mentoring arrangement. 

This wonderful program boosts 

students’ skills and morale and is 

a credit to the school and to the 

adult mentors. 

The recent Annual General 

Meeting of Cardinia District 

Scout Association featured a 

grandson of scouting’s founder 

(Lord Robert Baden-Powell) 

the Honourable Michael Baden- 

Powell. What a delight to hear 

Michael share anecdotes of his 

grandfather. At other times 

Michael referred to him as ‘B-P’ 

and sometimes as the ‘Founder’. 

As a matter of local history 

some residents will remember 

Michael’s grandmother, Lady 

Olave Baden-Powell, when 

passing through Emerald on 

her way to Gilwell Park, saw an 

assembly of local Guides, Scouts, 

Brownies and Cub Scouts sitting 

on grass beside the road where 

Emerald ‘Times Square’ is located 

(right near the Puffing Billy 

crossing in Emerald). The good 

lady had the driver stop her car; 

she stepped across the road and 

spoke to the assembled group. 

And what a thrill that was! 

I add my personal 

congratulations to Jean Hayne, 

Signpost editor and author of 

NIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLY. 

Jean Hayne vividly experienced 

her own personal drama at the 

time of ‘Ash Wednesday’; her 

own family home was lost to 

wildfire. And then came ‘Black 

Saturday’ when (her) daughter, 

Susanne, son-in-law Brad and 

grandchildren, though surviving 

themselves, lost their home 

also. The book is about to be 

launched. 

In the meantime, let’s prepare 

most thoughtfully for the summer 

that’s ahead of us. ♦ 

BELL R E A L E S T A T E 

SOLD 

OUR LISTINGS 

ARE RUNNING 

OUT THE 

DOOR! 

WE HAVE MORE BUYERS THAN SELLERS!! 

IF YOU HAVE BEEN THINKING OF SELLING NOW IS THE TIME! 

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET UPDATE OF YOUR PROPERTY. 

SOLD 

5968 6222 

311-313 Main Road, Emerald, 3782 

A001052

What is happening in 

Cockatoo? By Owen Dempler 

Township committee 

is having its tenth 

anniversary this year. 

To mark the occasion there is 

going to be a supper dance 

at the Cockatoo Community 

Complex on the 14 th of 

November. 

There will be a sausage 

sizzle and a live band. The cost 

is $6.00 per single and $18.00 per 

family. BYO drinks and a plate 

of supper to share. No alcohol 

please. This is going to be a 

real family event and we will be 

recognising the many people and 

achievements of the Cockatoo 

Township Committee. 

Contact 

cockatooevents@gmail. 

com or 5968 9678 

The Cockatoo Lawn 

Bowls Club has a new green 

this season and have been 

putting in a lot of hard work 

Australian 

owned 

family 

business 

since 1979 

around the club. It is looking the 

better for all their efforts. I am 

sure that there is going to be a 

lot of fun had by all who use this 

great facility. 

Hills Men’s Shed is a group 

of men that meet to have fun, 

swap stories, share experiences 

and knowledge. They organise 

trips and activities that are of 

interest to the participants in the 

group. It is open to men of all 

ages and is held at 1:00PM every 

Wednesday at the Cardinia 

Casey Health Centre in 

Cockatoo and there is now a 

group meeting the 4 th Thursday 

every month at 7:30 pm at 

Cockatoo CFA. This 

venue will change as we 

approach the fire season. 

P l e a s e 

contact the 

C a r d i n i a 

C a s e y 

H e a l t h 

Service on 

5968 7000 

or Owen on 5968 9678. 

The fire danger period 

is fast approaching. 

Start cleaning up now. 

David W Bull 

Funeral Director 

. . .the little things make a difference 

PAKENHAM CHAPEL 

190 Princes Highway, Pakenham 

Ph 5941 4888 

CRANBOURNE CHAPEL 

6 Brunt Street, Cranbourne 

Ph 5996 6822 

BERWICK CHAPEL 

Ph 9707 5755 

Email: admin@davidwbull.com.au 

www.davidwbull.com.au 

A000838 

After the horrors of 

the last summer it was 

incredible to see the 

number of homes and 

private property’s that 

where ignoring the 

extreme dangers 

that the owners are 

placing themselves 

in. By not clearing 

around their homes 

the tree litter and 

dry fuel that is on 

their roofs and against 

the house they can be 

placing their neighbours 

as well as themselves in 

danger. ♦ 


Thoughts on Stress and 

Anxiety By Dr. Suzanne Scott 

A 

healthy level of anxiety 

enables us to survive. 

It is appropriate to 

be anxious about being run 

over, so we check each way 

before we cross the road. To 

be anxious about our children 

and their health and welfare, 

prompts us to make sure they 

are safe and cared for. Being 

anxious because we are 

told by the media or other 

that we ‘should’ worry about 

something, is not appropriate 

unless we have judged for 

ourselves that a risk exists. 

Levels of anxiety are 

idiosyncratic. That is, each of us 

experiences anxiety in our own way 

and at various levels according to 

the threats we think we are facing. 

Then we choose to act in ways that 

decrease our specific anxieties. We 

can choose to be anxious and do 

nothing, or cope in ways we have 

used before. More productively, 

we can choose to find a new 

behaviour. 

Anxiety is a ‘learned’ behaviour. 

An initial event which causes 


emotional pain creates a memory, 

and we become anxious or ‘worried’ 

about the possible re-occurence of 

such (or similar) events, which will 

cause further pain. It raises general 

anxiety levels. Sometimes, long after 

the trauma, levels of anxiety remain 

very high. The individual may have 

a problem with ‘generalised anxiety.’ 

They have become anxious and 

can’t get rid of that feeling. If no 

specific problem can be identified, 

then it may also be called ‘freefloating’ 

anxiety simply because the 

‘blame’ cannot be attributed to any 

particular event. This is the most 

common type of anxiety. If you ask 

someone what they are concerned 

about, they may cite lists of all the 

things they feel they ‘must’ worry 

about, but not anything specific. 

Anxiety is a physically active 

behaviour with increased vigilance 

about possible threats from the 

outside world. (This is in contrast 

to depression, which is a slowing 

down of mind and body in a grey 

and hopeless world.) As anxiety 

increases we go ‘on alert.’ Because 

the physical body is affected, 

the system is 

geared to ‘fight 

or flight’ and 

normal body 

processes 

become less 

functional. The 

gut becomes 

tense and tight, 

and breathing becomes shallow 

and rapid. Therefore our digestion 

is impaired and oxygen take-up is 

less. In extreme anxiety or fear, 

such as a panic attack, breathing 

can become quite difficult. The 

ability to think through a problem 

is also less sharp. It is quite normal 

to ‘lose’ memories temporarily. 

Individuals tend to maintain a 

‘set-point’ of anxiety, or a familiar 

level of anxiety according to their 

self-image, somewhere between 

‘a person who worries a lot’ or ‘a 

person who is not very worried 

about anything.’ That self-image, 

reinforced by the opinions of 

others around them, determines 

how they expect themselves to 

react when faced with a dilemma. 

Someone with a history and a 

reputation of being hysterical in 

a given situation, will be hysterical 

in that event, because they and 

everyone else, expects that will be 

their reaction. Someone ‘known’ 

to be level-headed, will strive to be 

calm because it is what they and 

others, expect. Take the time to 

consider your attitude to past events 

that upset you, then consider if you 

made your own decisions about 

acting, or were you influenced by 

others? 

A healthy (and skeptical?) 

attitude to the choices in life is also 

paramount. Everywhere you go, 

you are faced with multiple choices 

of every type of item that you 

want. You have to stop and think 

about every minor difference in 

order to make a selection. Consider 

the tension that this creates, then 

consider the ‘clutter’ this causes in 

your mind. These minor decisions 

are often so numerous that major 

considerations get sidelined, 

and something that could be an 

improvement in your life goes past 

unremarked and forgotten. 

We are bombarded every day 

by negative, anxiety-provoking 

messages from news services, 

government agencies, scientific 

organisations, community services, 

and individuals who like to spread 

doom and gloom. The water crisis, 

global warming, famine, violence, 

wars, and fire danger are only a 

few of the unwelcome, nagging 

messages that have appeared 

in every form of media and 

communication. 

These messages do serve a 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

positive function in changing our 

behaviours when we perceive that it 

is in our best interests to re-organise 

how we approach problems. When 

we re-organise our behaviours we 

reduce our anxiety because we are 

actively addressing what we think 

we can fix. We act in ways that calm 

down feelings of powerlessness, 

reduce negative thoughts, slow 

heart rates, and generally help us 

to focus on a problem while it is 

necessary, then be able to shift 

focus onto the next concern. 

Unfortunately, when we are 

plagued by continual negative 

messages anxiety increases

throughout the community. It is 

‘infectious’. Anxiety is the most 

infectious emotion of all and it 

can cause widespread problems. 

Solutions generated when everyone 

is anxious, tend to be inadequately 

considered and often negative in 

outcome 

Practical solutions are the 

product of a process. That process 

begins with information gathering, 

generating options or ideas from 

Facing Fire Fears By Robyn Lobbe 

To live in the shadow 

of fear robs our daily 

ability to enjoy the 

beautiful backyard paradise 

of the Dandenong Ranges. 

While not contemplating 

naivety or complacency I think 

we need to be very careful to 

give ‘justified fire fears’ their 

correct context. 

Perhaps the greatest positive 

outcome of fear is that it propels 

us into pro-activity. While 

there has been much debate 

about what is required to avert 

last summer’s tragic loss, there 

is also much evidence of local 

practical action as families and 

communities work together to 

clear properties in readiness. 

It seems vital that we ensure 

that households of older 

residents or those suffering 

from illness or injury are given 

our ready assistance to prepare 

properly. Preventative action 

provides a certain element of 

peace that every effort has been 

made. 

Within our hills communities 

it is readily apparent that many 

folk are still struggling with 

the residual effects of last 

year’s bushfires. While the 

Dandenong Ranges escaped loss 

the threat remained constant for 

many weeks, and has persisted 

mindfully over the milder 

months. 

We need to be aware of 

those in our communities who 

are overwhelmed by this fear 

and show support. While ‘fire 

actions plans’ are highlighted on 

a daily basis in the media, those 

who are already fearful are being 

further reminded. And this is 

where the challenge lies. 

How do we prepare for the 

season ahead but balance our 

concerns so that we keep these 

fears from galloping ahead of 

us? 

Each of us has our own 

coping styles. Personally I have 

chosen to responsibly reside 

in a high risk area because the 

rich beauty of this area reflects 

something of wonderful value 

to me. 

I cannot seriously 

comprehend living in the suburbs 

without feeling depressed. I need 

the open spaces and bushland 

that the Dandenongs offers in 

glorious abundance. 

At the same time I can 

respect those that make other 

choices because they are not 

comfortable with the risk. 

multiple sources, a consideration 

of the necessary actions, plus 

the results likely to occur, given 

a specific action. Whether this 

process is simple (as in deciding 

what to buy for dinner), or complex 

(as in fire safety issues), the 

steps are the same. As ‘thinking’ 

humans we are able to consider 

our options and choose what we 

hope will be the wisest course for 

us. This process lowers anxiety 

as it focuses on finding active 

solutions that are appropriate to 

the individual and the situation. 

This promotes the suitable 

re-organisation of behaviour. 

Anxiety often causes individuals 

to scramble about using old habits 

of problem-solving that don’t 

suit the new situation. Lowering 

anxiety enables 

clearer 

thinking. 

H a v i n g 

made a 

c o n s i d e r e d 

choice and 

p r e p a r e d 

appropriately, 

we need to 

move forwards, 

allowing fear 

to take a backseat 

to the 

i m p o r t a n t 

business of 

living well. ♦ 

In everyday terms, this means 

that each person will cope if they 

consider the level of threat as it 

applies to them. Consider how 

much power each one has in that 

specific situation and how best to 

use that power, or recognise the 

type of help that must be sought in 

order to reduce the risks. Consider 

what can be changed, not what 

other people need to change. 

Make it personal. It is not useful to 

exclaim that everyone else has to 

change, but not you. In changing 

your own attitude you regain power 

and reduce anxiety. When we see 

a problem, training ourselves to 

‘stop’ ‘think’ and ‘do’ applies. Just 

as it works for children, it works for 

adults as well. ♦ 

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A00883 

A001059

BUSINESS 

CLASSIFIEDS 

ANIMALS 

gembrook 

VETERINARY CLINIC 

Dr Tom Cook 

Dr Kathy Cook 

AIR CONDITIONING 

ELECTRICAL 

REC 14971 

MITCHELL ELECTRICAL 

• Switchboards • Safety Switches • Hotwater 

All types of electrical work, small and larger jobs 

0407 361 369 5968 6546 


ALL ALPACA 

services 

+ Sales 

+ Management 

+ Husbandry 

+ Breeding 

+ Fleeces 

+ Products A000900 

Diane & Rudy Baldé 

5968 3305 

jannariealpacas@bigpond.com.au 

Phone: 5968 1888 Mobile: 0422 805 299 

87 Main Street, Gembrook 

ANTENNAS 

www. antennatom .com 

TV points TV tuning 

Home Theatre 

E & A Heating & Airconditioning 

Evaporative Cooling & Split Systems Ducted Heating 

For keenest prices and a no obligation free quote: 

Contact your LOCAL specialist 

Eric 0418 536 971 or 5968 5024 

Lic. No. 30991 A000865 

A000970 

0412 236 592 

Licensed Telco Technician FAULTS ADSL DATA VOIP 

Safe and Responsive A000667 

BOOKKEEPING SERVICES 

● SET UP ● GST PREPARATION 

● END OF MONTH PAYMENTS ● INVOICING A000898 

Contact: JASMIN 0400 868 604 

COMPUTERS 

Computers Made Fun 

Trading Hours: 

Monday - Closed 

Tue - Fri 12pm - 8pm, 

Sat. 9am - 9pm & 

Sun. 1pm - 8pm 

Ph. 5968 8885 

Shop 2/6 McBride St Cockatoo 

www.computersmadefun.com.au 

info@computersmadefun.com.au 

New Computers, sales and 

service. Ink & toner cartridges 

PC specialist. 

Your Local Computer Store, 

LAN & Internet Gaming Centre! 

EARTHWORKS 

COMMUNICATIONS 

PLUMBING 

CONCRETING 

RELIABLE TRADESMAN 

• SHED SLABS • DRIVEWAYS • FOOTPATHS 

• BOB CAT • EXCAVATION WORK 

PLAIN - COLOUR - STENCIL - EXPOSED AGG 

No Job Too Big or Small 

Domestic & Industrial 

5968 6013 0408 050 938 

GLASS 

Vic 

Water 

Plumbing 

Andrew - Ph: 5968 1378 Mob: 0418 379 536 

WATER TANKS SPECIALISTS 

ABN: 15 361 108 976 

REG No.30807 

A000715 

A000949

TRULY’S 

GARDENING 

SERVICE 

• 4WD Tractor & Slasher 

• Weed Spraying & Removal 

• Landscaping and Paving 

• Firewood, Log Splitting 

• Small Lawn Mowing 

• Brush Cutting 

• Hedge Pruning 

• Saw Work 

• Approved Workcover 

Provider 

Complete maintenance & design. 

Serving the hills since 1995. 

PHONE TIM on 

5968 8575 

or 0429 137 662 

EQUINE PRODUCTS 

Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 5.00pm 

Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm 

Customised Rugs 

made here in 

Emerald by your 

local saddlery 

GARDENING 

Little Gem Nursery & Landscaping 

40 Years Horticulture Experience 

Garden Makeovers, Landscaping, Garden Design and Advice 

Ph/Fax (03) 5967 7185 - Trish 0417 113 772 - Caity 0428 113 772 

email: littlegemnursery@bigpond.com 

FINANCIAL 

A000755 

Advertise 

your 

business 

here 

for 

local work 

5968 2855 

UPHOLSTERY 

A001030 

RUBBISH REMOVAL 

SCRAP METAL 

TREE LOPPING 

STONE MASON 

STONEMASON 

All work 

All Stone 

Call Tim 

5968 3875 A000743 

TRACTOR SLASHING 

SLASHING 

Small & Large Blocks . Front End Loader & other tractor 

implements . General Farm Maintenance & Solutions 

Ph. Lucas 041 22 33 888 or 5968 1162 

TAI CHI 

Beginners Classes 

Tuesdays, 6pm till 7pm, Upwey Community Hall 

Wednesdays, 7pm till 8pm, Emerald Mechanics Institute Hall 

P: 5968 2746 M: 0428 887 899 E: tutigers@bigpond.com 

YARRA RANGES 

& 

CARDINIA TREE SERVICES 

TREE/LIMB REMOVAL 

MULCHING 

FULLY INSURED 

FREE QUOTES 

CALL WARREN: 0418 326 436 A/H 5968 6117 

on-line @ 

www.signpostmagazine.org.au 

A001024 


A000909

BUSINESS 

CLASSIFIEDS 

Who’s New 

in Business? 

By Jean Hayne 

Draffin 

¦ 

Superannuation 

Consulting Pty. Ltd. 

As the accumulation 

of superannuation 

becomes increasingly 

important to retirement, more 

and more people are deciding 

to take the management of 

their funds into their own hands. 

Director of Draffin 

Superannuation Consulting Pty 

Ltd Amanda Draffin said laws 

pertaining to superannuation 

are quite complex and people 

are often confused. 

“It’s a difficult area, but for 

me it is satisfying to help people 

to get where they want to be 

financially in retirement without 

falling foul of the law,” Amanda 

said. 

“Generally the choice has 

been to go with the big firms or 

overseas. But we are right here in 

Emerald, close to where I grew 

up in Avonsleigh and where my 

family still live.” 

With over eight years 

experience specialising in SMSFs, 

Amanda is an accredited SMSF 

Specialist Advisor with the 

Self Managed Superannuation 

Professionals Association of 

Australia. 

In addition, Amanda 

is a qualified CPA and has 

completed the Diploma of 

Financial Planning and worked 

alongside accountants and 

financial planners and has an 

excellent understanding of the 


information required by both. 

Amanda offers account service 

for SMSFs and outsourcing 

services for other accountancy 

firms. 

Joining her in an 

administration role is Amanda’s 

sister Jacqueline Gill. 

“People appreciate that we are 

a small family business looking 

after families,” Jacqueline said. 

Other tax and accountancy 

services are available if required. ♦ 

Draffin Superannuation 

Consulting Pty Ltd is located 

at 1/394 Belgrave-Gembrook 

Road, Emerald. Business hours 

are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday 

or home visits by appointment. 

For more information please 

call 5968 5822. 

Amanda Draffin, Director 

Mark Eastaugh 

SHEET METAL 

5968 4550 

0405 596 479 

¦ All General Sheetmetal Work ¦ Guillotine Work 

¦ All Types of Welding ¦ Folding 

¦ Flashings & Rainwater Goods 

¦ Metal Design and Fabrication 

¦ Custom Made Products ¦ Metal Rainwater Tanks 

Pizza and pasta have 

long been tried and 

true favourites as takeaway 

snacks or at meal time. 

With this in mind, new owner 

of Lauritos Pizza & Pasta 

in Emerald, Kev Watts said 

he had been thinking about 

going into business for some 

time and when the shop came 

up he “jumped in.” 

“Having worked as a chef 

for 11 years, including three 

years on Hayman Island where 

I met my wife Jessica, it seemed 

like an opportunity too good to 

pass up,” Kev said. 

Kev and Jessica now live in 

Emerald with their two small 

children, including a new born. 

Since opening, Kev said there 

has been a fantastic response to 

the menu which, as well as a wide 

selection of pizzas which come 

in small, medium, large and 

13 Lawsons Road, Emerald 

Lauritos Pizza 

& Pasta Cafe 

Kev Watt 

A000699 

family size, there 

is pasta, chicken 

parmigiana, Caesar 

salad, gourmet 

pizzas, the hot 

favourite dessert; 

sticky date pudding 

and much more. 

For those who 

are wheat intolerant, 

Kev will be serving gluten free 

pizza, pasta and garlic bread. 

Where possible Kev sources 

ingredients locally in support of 

local business. 

“It’s been a lot of work 

getting the shop up and running 

but it would have been harder 

without the help of family and 

friends. My thanks go to them,” 

Kev said. 

“But it’s all good. Customers 

are complementing us on the 

quality of the food and coming 

back for more.” ♦ 

Lauritos Pizza & Pasta Cafe, 

located at shop 12/344 Main 

Road, Emerald, is open from 

Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm to 

10pm. Phone 0427 190 488 for 

more information.

Nov 2009 - Signpost Magazine

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