Axe Creek Eppalock Newsletter

Incorporating news from the Eppalock Primary School, Axe Creek Fire Brigade & the Axe Creek Landcare Group.

Welcome to the Spring Edition!

Hello again. The weather is warmer and spring is in the air! When Spring arrives you can almost see a skip in everyones step. Its the time of year when the calendar starts to fill up with events. Fashion week, Spring Racing, Open gardens, Art Exhibitions, Craft Markets, Graduations, and so much more. Whatever you do, enjoy the warmer weather and spend time with the people you love doing the things you love. We hope you will continue to share your upcoming events, news, photos, funny stories, feedback and more. Wed especially like to share local photos. So please dont forget to drop an email to axecreeknews@gmail.com. Sam Spence

Edition 40. Spring 2013

Welcome Community Notice Board CFA News School Update Axe Creek Playgroup Landcares Latest Community News Kids Corner

Advertise your Business AND help the Community

If you would like some great local exposure for a reasonable price, then advertise in the next issue of the Axe Creek Eppalock Newsletter. Full Page $100 Half Page Quarter Page $50 $25

Thank you to our Contributors

John Wells - Axe Creek Fire Brigade Marie Mannes - Eppalock PS Cathy Watson - Axe Creek Landcare

Did you know you can now receive your copy of the Axe Creek - Eppalock Newsletter directly to your inbox?

Fees charged help cover printing costs. Advertising deadline for future issues:

Send us a quick email to axecreeknews@gmail.com and we will add you to our distribution list.

Summer 2013 Autumn 2014 Winter 2014 Spring 2014

Dec 2nd Mar 3rd June 2nd Sept 1st

Contact us via axecreeknews@gmail.com

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Issue 40

Community Notice Board

Emergency Contact Numbers
Fire, Police & Ambulance
(life threatening or time critical emergencies only)

000
13 25 00 1800 240 667 1800 668 511 13 11 26 0419 356 433

SES Flood & Storm Emergency Bushfire Information

Information & advice about significant fires, total fire bans

Burn Off Notifications Poisons Information Wildlife Rescue Service

Useful Websites
CFA
DSE

Local Churches
St Stephens Anglican Church
108 Hargreaves Rd, Emu Creek 2nd & 4th Sunday Mornings 9am

www.cfa.vic.gov.au
www.dse.vic.gov.au

Vic Roads www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

School Terms 2013

Term 1 30 Jan 28 Mar Term 2 15 Apr 28 Jun Term 3 15 Jul 20 Sept

Strathfieldsaye Uniting Church

920 Wellington St, Strathfieldsaye 1st & 3rd Sunday Mornings 9am NEW Family Service - 1st & 3rd Saturdays - 5pm

St Josephs Catholic Church

Cnr Axe Creek & Strathfieldsaye/Eppalock Rds. Sunday Mornings 9am

All Welcome

Axe Creek CFA

Captain Neil Irving-Dusting 5439 6388 Secretary Bob Russell 0448 000 845
2

Term 4 7 Oct 20 Dec

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CFA News From Axe Creek Brigade

It was sobering to learn that a house was burnt near Lake Eppalock during winter. This should be a reminder to us all that we need to take care with cooking, heating and all the other things that have the potential to cause house fires. This is the time of year to start preparations for making our properties safer for the summer months. It's all to obvious how quickly the grass (and weeds!) grow in spring. Don't let them get away from you: keep them under control, so that when everything dries out in late spring you are not left with long dry grass and rank weeds around the house.
NEW SOFTWARE TOOLS HELP CFA TO FIGHT FIRES In recent years there's been a lot of research into computer models of how fires spread. This has led to the development of sophisticated software for the rapid prediction of the likely impact of fires. On days of high fire danger skilled Fire Behaviour Analysts are on standby at the State Control Centre, and at regional Incident Control Centres. As soon as a fire is reported they enter its position, and run simulations of its development by computer. The simulations make use of preloaded data such as fuel loads, fuel moisture content, predicted weather conditions (temperature, humidity and wind) at closely spaced points right across the state. The program computes, minute by minute, how the fire is likely to spread. Because the data are averages for each location, the program allows for chance variation in conditions by running thousands of simulations in a few seconds, and then averaging the results to give the best estimate of what is likely to happen. Testing the software The simulation software was initially tested by running predictions of past fires, such as those on Black Saturday. While the outputs from the program didn't match exactly the actual spread of the fires, they gave a remarkably close picture of how the fires had developed. How it's used Last summer the predictive software invaluable for CFA and DSE operational personnel. Incident controllers could consider quickly the best ways to deploy the available resources, and even use the computer modelling to compare the likely outcomes of different strategies. The predictions were also used to formulate information and warnings to the public, by radio and on the internet. The predictive software is much more sophisticated than the simple had calculations that were used previously. In future they will continue to be improved and updated, and will become standard tools for the fire services.

Manage your vegetation

It's not just grass that has to be looked after. Trees with overhanging branches, and bushy shrubs can catch fire from burning embers, and then endanger the house.

In the fire brigade we call leaves and twigs up to about pencil thickness fine fuels. These are the things that catch fire quickly, and control the spread of fire. History shows that your house will be 30% safer (i.e. less likely to catch fire) if there are no fine fuels within 5 m of the house. Those shrubs around the house might look attractive, but they could be adding to your fire risk.

Seasonal outlook
At the time of writing the experts have just released the initial outlook for the coming fire season. While things may change, depending on the spring rainfall, early indications are that this part of Victoria will have greater than usual grass growth in the paddocks, but still somewhat dry subsoil in the forests. That adds up to the possibility of fast-running grass fires which, if they run into forest, could become hotter than average forest fires.

Be prepared, and be alert!

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CFA'S ROLE EXPANDS

Not just putting out fires

Most people picture the CFA as an organisation that fights fires putting the wet stuff on the red stuff. But there's much more to it than that. Particularly since Black Saturday, the CFA's role is being seen more and more to include helping communities to stop destructive fires breaking out, and informing them of what is happening when (despite preparations to prevent them) fires do occur. There's good sense in the change of emphasis. The CFA's mission is to protect lives and property. The best way to do this is to stop fires happening as far as possible, and by preparing properties in advance so if fires do start the damage is kept to a minimum.

CFA alerts residents when conditions are particularly dangerous, so they have the opportunity to move to a safer location in good time. It does its best to make available news of any current fires, so community members can make informed decisions about appropriate action.
Shared responsibility

A moment's reflection will show that CFA cannot keep Victoria safe from fire on its own. There are about 1200 fire brigades in Victoria. On Black Saturday around 650 fire trucks were close enough to be sent quickly to the major fires; 2000 houses were burnt down. Axe Creek Brigade has two fire trucks, and at best perhaps 12 to 15 volunteers able to turn out to emergencies at any particular time. Just think how many houses there are in the district. The arithmetic is pretty clear. Although the Brigade will do its best to fight any fire in the district, or to assist neighbouring brigades if called on, if there is a major fire the chances are you'll be on your own. You have to take responsibility for preparing your property, your family and yourself before conditions become really bad. That means starting right now!
More demands: we need more volunteers!

Not long ago local CFA volunteers expected to undertake training, and to turn out to fires. Now volunteers are being asked to work with community members to prepare for fire, and to assist with behind-the-scene work during emergencies organising crews, arranging supplies, operating radios, issuing advice and warnings to the community, and 101 other jobs. Brigade members, like the rest of us, have lots of other things to do in their lives. They can't effectively add new responsibilities to their current commitments. We'd love to have new members with whom to share the load. Are you interested in joining us? Perhaps you don't fancy jumping on the back of a truck to head for a fire, but there are lots of other ways you could help, either from home or in one of our Local Command Facilities, helping to keep the front-line crews on the job.

Think about it, and if you are interested contact the brigade captain. The phone number is listed elsewhere in this newsletter.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

Bushfires must have been particularly frightening to the early settlers in Central Victoria. Here is an extract from the Bendigo Advertiser of Wednesday 1st March 1865:
The large fire which was observed to the south of Sandhurst at night has burned a tract of country from eight to ten miles in extent. The greatest destruction appears to have been caused to the homesteads on the Emu and Myrtle Creeks. On the former, the large farm of Mr Michael Brennan has been consumed, with the exception of the house, which, by great exertion, was saved. All the crops, hay and corn, which had only just been stacked, fell a prey to the flames, the loss being estimated at about 500. Mr Brennan's next neighbour, Mr Osborn, also had his stacked crops totally destroyed... The following communication, which we received last night from a resident at the Emu Creek, gives a painful history of the disasters there: "I hasten to inform you of a few particulars of the losses occasioned by one of the most extensive bush fires that has ever happened in the district of Bendigo. As you are aware, we have been for some time surrounded with the fiery element, which has raged with fury, defying the joint exertions of the settlers to subdue it. It broke out yesterday with all the intensity and appearance of a burning fiery furnace, carrying consternation and ruin in its progress, and at night the sight was one terrible to behold, the trees, in burning masses casting their lurid glare around, and then the loud thundering clash of their falling was enough to make one tremble for their safety. The sight of the burning stacks of wheat, oats, hay, and dwellings of one's neighbours brought the tears from many an eye, knowing the sorrow and distress which invariably follows such unforeseen calamities; and, Sir, you may judge of my feelings, whilst I have been so signally preserved, to find my rich neighbours caring for the loss and ruin of those rendered houseless and helpless, by coming forward to suggest a meeting at the Emu Creek school house tomorrow evening (Wednesday) to alleviate the distress of the unfortunate, and whilst my friend, Mr Brennan. though a sufferer to the extent of some 500, when asked, generously exclaimed, "I am not stuck for a pound, but do all you can for Mr 0sborne. and others that need it," shows at once the manliness of character under such painful circumstances, and recommends self abnegation to others."

REGISTER YOUR BURN-OFFS!

Before the declared Fire Danger Period starts it is permissible for rural landholders to burn off vegetation to reduce the fire hazard for the ensuing fire season. But remember that IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that you have sufficient resources to control the fire, and to monitor the fire to ensure that it does not escape. The brigade asks all landholders to REGISTER THEIR BURNS before lighting up. Then if somebody reports the fire to 000 the brigade need not be activated for an emergency call-out. Everybody is happy: brigade members are not called out to a false alarm, and the property owner is not embarrassed at having fire trucks turn up unexpectedly. It's simple. Just call the Burn-off Notification line on 1800 668 511. The operator will want to know: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. axecreeknews@gmail.com the location of the burn-off; the date of the burn-off; the expected start and finish times; what you intend to burn; and an estimated size of the burn-off. Issue 40

Eppalock Primary School

Once again a very busy term for students, families and staff. Our School Values are: Care and Compassion Honesty and Trustworthiness Respect Responsibility This term we have focused on the value of RESPONSIBILITY be accountable for ones own actions, resolve differences in constructive, non-violent and peaceful ways; contribute to society and civic life, take care of the environment. At assembly on a Monday morning students who display this value are presented with an award. We have also continued with our Random Acts of Kindness. This has been a very positive initiative and the students have really embraced the idea of doing nice things for others. To further enhance it, we introduced Ripple Kindness Card which requires students to do something positive for someone else and then pass the card on hence the ripple effect of positive, kind and caring acts. SCHOOL NAME CHANGE The idea of changing the school name from Eppalock Primary School to Axe Creek Primary School has been discussed on many occasions in the past. One of the main reasons for the proposed name change is to help people find us more easily and so that the name of the school fits in with its geographical location. Do you have any thoughts or feedback on this topic? Please let us know we are seeking feedback from all members of the local community.
Did you know that Eppalock PS used to be Upper Axe Creek North State School no.1788 and the name was changed to Eppalock PS no. 1788 in 1920. People often confuse our location as being at Lake Eppalock and many people get lost trying to come out to the school or think that we are a lot further out from Bendigo than we actually are and dont consider the school as an option to send their children. Lake Eppalock itself was not built until 1962.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the following local businesses for their support of our school Hume and Iser, Bendigo Bendigrow Garden & Living Centre, Strathfieldsaye McDonald's Plant Plus Nursery, Retreat Road, Bendigo Supa IGA, Strathfieldsaye BUFS Strath Hardware

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Whodunit? Murder Mystery at Menagerie Park at the Bendigo Discovery Centre was an exciting hands-on, minds-on exhibition that appealed to the detective in everyone. Whodunit? Provided students with an insight into the puzzle-like process that forensic scientists work through, sifting and piecing evidence together to build a case. The exhibits linked to our curriculum outcomes in Science, Technology, Mathematics as well as Society and Environment learning areas. A great experience for the whole school.
Our Grade 5/6 students joined with Axedale students to form a team Eppadale and participated in an interschool Football Carnival early in the term. As part of National Tree Planting Day the school planted trees in and around our school and carried out some general gardening and cleaning up. This was a great opportunity to interact with nature as well as greening and beautifying our school grounds. We formally acknowledged 100 days of school for this year and especially concentrated on our prep students who were celebrating their first 100 days of formal education. The 100th day of school is more than just a milestone worth noting its the perfect time to have fun with the number 100. The activities and lessons on this day provided opportunities for our student to practice maths and sharpen their observational skills. Students also baked a cake in the shape of the number 100 which was enjoyed by all.

The children had a wonderful day at the Bendigo Writers Festival. They listened to two great writers who shared their experience in writing childrens books and provided tips on how to build on an idea and turn it into a great story. The afternoon at Victoria Heights Residential Care was a wonderful experience for all. The children sang beautifully and were great representatives of our school. The look of delight on the faces of the residents was wonderful to see and our students had the opportunity to mingle and chat to many of them. It was a fantastic experience and one that we will be repeating later in the year. Other activities for the term include Jump Rope for Heart, attending the CFA S.A.F.E. (Safety Awareness Field Education) Day, a visit to the Arts Centre, Melbourne to see the Patch Theatre Companys performance of Theo and the Lion a whimsical, dreamworld adventure inspired by Pamela Allens picture book, A Lion in the Night. This day also included a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, to view the Monet exhibition.

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National Literacy/Numeracy Week To celebrate students took part in a range of multi-age group activities. They used mathematics to analyse waste as part of the This is Rubbish activity. As a whole school we collected, classified and counted the rubbish in our classroom and schoolyard bins that had accumulated over a week period. The data collected from this activity was used to find the main sources of waste and how much of it there is. The students took this information one step further and have begun planning on how they, as a group, can minimise the rubbish in our school. Our grade 5/6 students also planned and implemented other activities during this week including book reports, book mark making and m&m maths to provide hands-on learning opportunities for the whole school. It proved a great collaborative learning experience for all. We have introduced a new specialist area this term titled LIVING GREEN. The program provides hands-on Living Green clubs session every Friday afternoon. LIVING GREEN focuses on teaching students about how natural environments function and how human beings can manage their behaviour in order to live sustainably.

Poo Pile!
If you need manure for your garden, please contact Jan Mellor on 5439 3144 or email jan_mellor@iinet.net.au.

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Axe Creek Community Playgroup

When Where

Wednesday Mornings 9am -11am Eppalock PS Old School Building.149 Patons Road Axe Creek (just a few minutes from Strathfieldsaye)

Morning Tea & activities provided Gold Coin Donation For further information please phone (03) 5439 6366 email: eppalock.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au http://www.eppalockps.vic.edu.au

All Welcome

Made in Australia.

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Latest from Axe Creek Landcare

The Committee meets from February until November on the first Monday of each month at Eppalock Primary School, in the old staffroom 8pm - Daylight Saving Hours 7.30 pm - Winter Hours We also have a Special Meeting in June and September when we discuss relevant topics and have a guest speaker. Topics have included identifying and control of weeds, sustainable soils, vegetable gardening and grasses. Members of the community are always welcome to attend any meeting!

Our AGM this year is on Monday October 7th. Any member interested in being on the Committee is welcome to nominate. We will also have a guest speaker on the evening.
The Southern Ark Project: fox control in East Gippsland
In July we heard an interesting presentation from Andrew Murray, one of the authors of the Southern Ark Project in East Gippsland. He confirmed our opinions that the Red Fox is a serious pest. The Project 'aims to facilitate the recovery of native animal species and improve the stewardship of public land in East Gippsland through an integrated large scale fox control program that is maintained year round.' It represents the first large scale attempt to control foxes in natural ecosystems in Eastern Australia. The program relies on the establishment and maintenance of approximately 5000 permanent bait stations across one million hectares of public land. This area of Gippsland represents 5% of the State of Victoria. Foxes cause nothing but calamity to the environment. At least 27 species of mammals have been lost since the introduction of foxes in 1870 to the mainland of Australia. They were introduced to continue the English tradition of fox hunting. Foxes spread across the southern two thirds of Australia and have been implicated in the decline and extinction of ground dwelling mammals and birds. The baiting in this project has been carried out using buried Foxoff baits each of which contains 3mg of 1080 (pronounced ten eighty). As well as the many hectares of public land the East Gippsland project area is served by a huge network of all-weather tracks that greatly assist in the establishment and maintenance of the program. Our Landcare group Members who attended the presentation are keen to have a fox control program in this area. However, due to more closely settled landholdings we will have issues re the Foxoff baiting locations that need to be sorted. It was suggested that roadside baiting may be viable. As a keen poultry owner I know that foxes are not far away and woe betide the hens if we aren't vigilant in locking them up at sundown!

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Community News

email us at axecreeknews@gmail.com
Holiday Program
Running the Race of Life for Primary school age children, Including a Strathfieldsaye Mini-Games, making craft, morning tea and stories on the big screen. Tues 1st to Friday 4th October, 9.30am-12.30pm. Saturday 5th October (5pm) Closing Ceremony at Family Church. Strathfieldsaye Uniting Church (920 Wellington St), free! Phone 5439 4817

Mark your Diaries

Strathfieldsaye Community Carols 2013 Wednesday 11th December (evening), JG Edwards Oval (behind Strathfieldsaye Primary School) Bendigo Youth Brass Band, Schools choir, BBQ and (battery) candles for sale. A combined activity of the local Anglican, Catholic and Uniting Churches together.

Community Gamelan group

Mugi Rahayu is your local gamelan (Javanese music and dance) group. We are from Eppalock and we practice weekly and perform at various cultural events and fundraisers around the district. No experience required and its free. New members Welcome Practice every Sunday 2:00 pm at 101 Carneys Rd, Eppalock. Contact Nita or Aaron on: 54392678 email: bagus_kan@yahoo.com

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Kids Corner
Australian slang word-find
Word find activities for kids are one thing they love to get their hands on. Search for fun using the Aussie slang we all know and love.

www.kidspot.com.au

Aussie Jokes.
Q. What's a crocodile's favourite game? A. Snap! Q. What's small, furry and bright purple? A. A koala holding its breath! Q. What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back? A. A stick! Q. Why did the emu cross the road? A. To prove he wasn't a chicken! Q. Why did the dingo cross the road twice? A. Because he was a double-crosser!

Q. What's a koala's favourite drink? A. Coca Koala! Q. What do crocodiles call children? A. Appetisers! Q. What do you get when you cross a kangaroo with sheep? A. A woolly jumper! Q. What animal can jump higher than the Sydney Harbour Bridge? A. All animals, because bridges can't jump! Q. Why do kangaroo mums hate bad weather? A. Their joeys have to play inside!

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