Merrijig Matters
Merrijig’s Monthly Newsletter
December 2013
Issue 8
Index
Feedback / local Justice of the Peace..............................................................2
Calendar...........................................................................................................3
Who’s Doing What Lately............................................................................4-10
How does partnering with another community grab you?................11-13
Glenroy-Merrijig CFA................................................................................13 -14
Merrijig Trail Riders.........................................................................................15
Ever Needed a Face Painter?...................................................................15-16
Mansfield Community Plan Activities - Bush Poets Social........................16-21
Merrijig Primary School news.........................................................................22
Mansfield District Hospital Community Forum..........................................22-23
Merrijig’s Joan Godber..............................................................................23-24
Word from Mansfield Shire Council................................................................24
McCormack Park............................................................................................25
Merrijig Campdraft News...........................................................................25-26
Why Did You Come to Merrijig?................................................................26-27
What’s on at our Local?............................................................................27-28
What’s Going on at the Merrijig Hall?.......................................................28-29
Advertisements..............................................................................................30
End of Newsletter Joke!............................................................................30-31
Quote of the month
"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you always got."
(Mark Twain)
Just for the record, because it’s interesting ! Mark Twain was an Author, born Samuel
Langhorne Clemens 178 years ago on Sunday, November 30, 1835, but better known by
his pen-name Mark Twain, who was an American author and humorist. He wrote The
Adventures of Tom Sawyer and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the latter often
called "the Great American Novel." He died on April 21, 1910
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Feedback on November’s newsletter
Adele
Thank you so much for your work on the community newsletter. It allows me (from afar) to stay in touch.
Kind regards,
Armando Scenna
******
Wow Adele!
I feel like I'm nearly famous! I hope to get to Merrijig for the event, but life gets busy after Cup Day,
and I end up working most weekends. If I don't make it I hope it is a huge success, and if the
newsletter is anything to go by, it will be!
Good on you, and well done! Communities always have a small handful of people who are the "glue"
that binds the community together... You are that "glue" girl!
Eliza :)
******
Back issues of the newsletters can be viewed on the Merrijig Community Website
which can be found at http://www.merrijig.com.au/html/local_news.html
Some articles in this newsletter may be picked up by the Mansfield
Courier so consider this if you are submitting stories you could be
sensitive about sharing with the community wider than Merrijig.
******
If you’re looking for a Justice of the Peace, here are our two local
JPs
Dale Daly, Timbertop School
5733 6777
Laurie Jacob, Buttercup Rd
0418 553 214
******
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Who’s doing what lately?
Kym Stubbs who entered her portrait of “Evan” (Evan Houston) in the Hospital Art Show on the
Festival weekend at the beginning of November won a Highly Commended award for her work. She
also won the People’s Choice award and sold the work to a very happy Melbourne couple who asked
if it was possible to meet Evan. Kym was able to arrange a meeting and to the delight of all parties it
was discovered that Evan formally lived in the same suburb as the family who will hang his portrait in
their home.
“A fantastic result and well deserved for one of our local artists.” Said Marion Mitchell, President of
the Hospital Art show.
Jack & Rhyll McCormack took their four young children to Sydney for the Monster Truck show.
Rhyll said that staying in a hotel in the city was not the best place for 4 lively country raised kids. She
found the need to constantly tell them to be quiet, so as not to disturb other visitors, took some of the
pleasure of the trip away from she and Jack.
But it was young Jaxon who, although he enjoyed the swimming pool at the hotel and liked the
monster trucks, could not cope with the big city.
Pictured is a very miserable Jaxon struggling with the NOISE of Sydney, being comforted by big
sister Coby, who on the other hand thought it was all OK.
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Jem Herbert former Merrijig Primary School student has won a choral scholarship to the Victorian
College of the Arts.
The (Merrijig) hills are alive with the sound of singing.....
Jem aged 12, is off to Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) for Year 7 next year.
He has been training with the Australian Boys Choir for the last four years and twice weekly he
travels to Melbourne to rehearse and train with the Choir. On Mondays (and sometimes Friday) this
country boy catches the bus from Mansfield, hops off at Ringwood bus stop and then takes the train
to Glenferrie station and walks to Choir. After Choir, he catches the train to his grandmother’s house
in the Dandenongs to stay overnight with her and returns to Mansfield by bus on Tuesday morning to
return to school. It is quite a journey and quite a commitment for someone so young! Jem is
passionate about singing and will have the opportunity to study music in depth at VCASS. He was
one of 11 to be selected for a full music scholarship from around Victoria (and Australia) for Year 7.
Jem has had a number of highlights during his time with the Australian Boys Choir. This year, he
toured Malaysia and was billeted with Malaysian families in Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in
Borneo. His personal highlight was the Choir’s performance at the Australian Embassy in KL. He has
also enjoyed several summer camps with the Choir, a tour to Mansfield (yes, Mansfield!) in 2012 and
was admitted as a Chorister several weeks ago. This means he has not only passed all the skills and
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training levels of the Choir but he now takes on a leadership role with the other boys. Jem is very
much looking forward to being Chorister and a student at VCASS next year. Just out of interest, Jem
will be touring Mansfield with the Australian Boys Choir in March next year so stay tuned for
performance times and dates.
Information for this article was supplied by his proud mum Sue Herbert who is organising the Choir’s
Mansfield Tour for 28th and 29th of March next year and is wondering if anyone has a shearing shed
available to use for the Choir’s “Shearing Shed Soiree” on one of these nights? If so, please contact
Sue on: 0408 573 281.
See Jem’s story of his life in the Australian Boys Choir on the web using this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqPvr5vDXy8
Georgie Deyell bought a Jeep
Yes she bought a Jeep.
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Dave Lovick took his border collie, Chang, to the Mansfield Show where he beat the standing
champion to win the Dog Jump event. Dave is of course very proud of Chang who he describes as an
amazing sheep dog.
Chang at work with the sheep
Here is Chang having a rest at home.
Mick Stafford the head chef at Pinnacle Valley Resort has accepted another position in Melbourne
City near the Vic Market, at a brand new hotel, where he will be employed as the Executive Chef.
He will be opening the kitchen from scratch doing everything from setting menus to employing all the
staff. Mick wanted to say via the newsletter, “I have enjoyed living in Merrijig for the last 2.4 years
and will miss the staff and the pool at Pinnacle Valley, the characters of Merrijig and the magnificent
landscape. I wish everyone the best and I will be back to visit regularly when I get a chance.”
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I feel sure I can say that Merrijig people wish you all the luck in the world in your career Mick and
hope you can cope with living in the congestion of the city after the freedom and openness of
beautiful Merrijig. Bye for now, you know you can escape back to the country when you become
overwhelmed by the ‘big smoke’.
Steve McMahan and Beau Purcell have just returned after a week in Queensland playing on
Championship golf courses. They were able to enjoy playing a different one each day. Some of the
great venues they experienced were Brookwater, Royal Pines, Robina Woods. They claim they had
some good shots, oh and some bad shots - but that’s the game of golf. The fellas reported that they
loved the great weather in beautiful Qld and they said that they had a ball.
Ben Webster competed in the Tri-State Games which are a week-long sporting event attracting
about 300 athletes from disability organisations throughout Victoria, New South Wales and South
Australia. The games are held yearly and focus on promoting active participation, friendly competition
and positive social interaction for adults with a disability. Ben travelled to Murray Bridge where he
participated in several events and brought home medals in 18m walk across the pool for which he
won Gold. Then he won silver for the 36m walk across the pool and for the bean bag throw. His
Bronze was for the 25m sprint. He also was given a large bronze medal for participation.
He said he had a wonderful time which included plenty of socialising and dining out. An extra bonus
was a trip to the Adelaide Zoo on his day off from competing; Ben said it’s a wonderful zoo. He is
already looking forward to next year .
All smiles and proudly showing his awards won at the Tri-State Games
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State of Victoria recognises Merrijig girl at Government House
Ashleigh Jurrjens has been awarded the St John Cadet of the Year for 2013 by His Excellency the
Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria.
This award considers what the cadet has achieved over his or her time volunteering with St. John
including courses completed, service provided, State competitions entered in and the cadet’s general
enthusiasm and commitment to the aims and purposes of St. John Ambulance.
Ashleigh pictured with her certificate after the presentation at Government House
It’s comforting to know that our future health is in the hands of committed young people like Ashleigh.
Some St. John people who commented on her achievement included “Keep up the good work and
you are an inspiration to the Cadets.” And “be proud young lady of your well-deserved award enjoy
the coming year and your time to shine out and about.”
It is particularly pleasing to know that our own Merrijig girl has been acknowledged this way for her
dedication.
Welcome to Merrijig
Adam & Leah Takach and family who have begun to build on Mt Buller Rd Merrijig. You’re in good
company and you are very welcome in our community.
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Fiona and Chris Dunlop welcomed Tango into the world and to Merrijig on November 4.
Now here he is at one week old.
Early morning surprise on 28th - his name is Trooper
“Look what we found in the paddock this morning!” Fiona said (Nov. 28) “Our little Bambi had her
foal!” “She was not due for another 3 weeks. She had a lovely little pally colt.” Fiona was thrilled, “So
cute! Good work Bam Bam!” she said on Facebook
Then on Saturday, November 30. “This is the third and last, thank goodness!” she said, “He's very
cute and placid and mum is very protective”.
This is Takira which is Aboriginal for tomorrow
Free to a good home….. a Fisher Price infant car seat to give away. It’s in very good condition.
Grandkids have got too big for it and would suit another grandparent. Phone Judy K on 5777 5332.
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How does partnering with another community grab you?
“Successful community development hinges on spending more time in communities listening
and learning, and continuing to put more emphasis on working with the whole of community.”
This is more or less what came out of the Mansfield Shire’s Community plan meetings.
But guess what? It’s nothing to do with Mansfield Shire; this is from the annual report of the
Indigenous Communities Volunteers.
“Indigenous Communities Volunteers (ICV) exists to provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people to develop human and community capacity in order to improve their quality of
life, health, social and economic wellbeing and participation in Australian Society.” The report goes on
to say.
In a nutshell, this organisation acts when they are approached by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island
community with an idea of how to improve the lives and or conditions in their community. So the initial
ideas are community driven - just as they were coming out of the Community planning meetings we
have recently been through with the shire.
Then the ICV, who have taken on board what the community says they need, connects them with
skilled volunteers to work with them so they can reach the goals they’ve set for themselves. Again,
there is a parallel with Merrijig, only instead of bringing people into our community from the outside,
members of our community identifying their own skills have volunteered to work toward reaching the
goals set.
The difference between our communities is in that aspect, where our community is made up of a wide
and varied mix of people from all walks of life and all ethnicity the communities ICV are working with
do not have amongst them people with specific expertise or qualifications, so they need to be linked
in.
The letter sent to me recently asked if I would like to help by donating and as I have had some
wonderful experiences in my travels around Australia interacting with Aboriginal people I found I was
really happy to support this project.
I learned a lot about how a little bit of self-esteem and pride goes a long way when I gave a lift, on the
Barkly Hwy in outback Queensland, to two young parents who had unfortunately had two flat tyres on
the one trip to visit an aunty on a remote cattle station. In brief this young couple who lived in Mt Isa
proudly told me of their ‘country’ which we were driving through at the time and how to find wild
honey, and that goanna was the most delicious meat they had ever tasted - but you must not eat
goanna unless you were really hungry. During the hour or so drive back to their car, Lester the young
father, told me that his father had not allowed his children to learn ‘the lingo’ so they only ever spoke
English. When I asked him if he thought his father had done the right thing he told me that he was
sure he had because he, Lester, was the first person in his family to have graduated high school.
He was very proud of this, as he was proud to be a working man with three children other than the
baby who was with them. Evelyn his wife was a part time teacher’s aid but not while little Lester was
so young.
Another couple I met at Cooktown, had two children they had in a boarding school which they
explained to me was to keep them away from the “Riff Raff” because they were good kids and they
wanted them to have every advantage.
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What often occurs to me is that the differences between Indigenous Australians and the rest of us is
negligible it’s perhaps like the Cooktown parents pointed out – the advantages available are not
always there and you need to go out and grab them yourself.
This is where I think this ICV organisation is on the right track, it seems to me that they are helping
the people who want to grab those advantages that are just a little out of reach or because those
wanting them who have no tools to grab them, to get a grip on what they want.
Rather than provide another handout, they organise for volunteers to go to a community who has
asked for something specific so that community can pull themselves into another stage in life.
Nadia Menzies of ICV told me “We are proud to say we are now working with communities for an
extended period of time, this is the focus of our work presently and as such one of our biggest
challenges is being able to fund the placement of volunteers into the community for longer periods.
This is the support we would like to engage your readers in if possible”
This story is of the Daly River community (I spent some time in this area on my last trip) where the
local men asked to be taught a trade from which they could earn a living, instead of having to rely on
government welfare. ICV helped them to find and purchase a mobile sawmill, then found volunteers
to train them to make outdoor furniture from scratch.
Daly River mobile sawmill with volunteer teaching
The men are now trained and making a living to provide for their families. They are proud men and
proud of their work, as well as being enthusiastic role models for others in the community.
What I would like to suggest is that the Merrijig Community offer to partner with a community who
approach ICV with an idea they want to run with and sponsor them in their efforts. One community
helping another community.
Imagine for instance running a fundraising activity in Merrijig which will have a lasting effect on
people who want to help themselves to improve their own lives, to help build self-respect in another
community at the same time as teach our youth how helping others enriches the lives of those
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offering the help as much as those gaining from that help. Or we possibly could muster up some
volunteers to work with a partner community to show them the skills they need to begin their new
lifestyle.
Many people will be child sponsors for children overseas where the whole community benefits from
the sponsorship, this is an opportunity to do the same for an Australian community. I find it a very
exciting proposition. My initial contact with the ICV organisation indicates that they are equally excited
by the idea – now I hope that you will be too.
Nadia also said she would like the newsletter readers to know that “Creating a community partnership
takes a great deal of time and we are very committed to only doing so at the invitation of a community
and as such, we resist promising a pairing of any one particular region with another. We like to be
honest and transparent with our supporters and as such there is a need to understand that the
process of partnering, gaining trust, identifying volunteers and implementing training and
subsequently knowledge sharing, is a very long process. We would love it if your communications
could engage with supporters to assist us in this work. By donating to ICV, it enables us to continue
the work we have already begun in already identified communities.”
I am happy to be the contact person for this project idea; all I need to know is if there are more than
me in Merrijig who are interested in being involved in partnering our community with another. Write to
me in the Subject line say ‘count me in’ or phone me on 0409 600 655 if you want to chat about it.
The men are now trained and making a living to provide for their families. They are proud men and
proud of their work, as well as being enthusiastic role models for others in the community.
Check out their official web sites :- http://www.icv.com.au
Indigenous Community Volunteers (ICV)
Glenroy Merrijig CFA
Had an open day on Sunday, November 24 where a BBQ that smelled very good was going to entice
visitors to call in.
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Burning off
grass and weeds etc is permitted outside the fire danger period but local laws do
sometimes apply in different areas.
So before burning off
1/ check the laws for your area
2/ notify VicFire on 1800 668 511 so that brigades are not called out unnecessarily
3/ Check weather forecast for the day and the following days
4/ make a three metre fire break
5/ have people on hand to help manage the burn safely
Burn off notification forms can be downloaded or you can email : [email protected]
Merrijig Trail Riders
The first trail ride of the Merrijig Trial Riders set off on Sunday, November 17 from McCormack Park
and headed off to Deadwood. A small group this time took off after warming up in the arena, with
apologies from several who were disappointed that the date clashed with other commitments the next
trail ride should see a few more joining in.
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Ever needed a face painter?
Having in the past volunteered her time to help at Kindergarten fetes and birthday parties then
painting hundreds of little faces for a few $s at the Tolmie Sports, Bush Market Days and Mountain
Cattlemen’s get-togethers, Michele has found that the demand for her talent has grown to a point
where she is being asked what she charges for face painting at various functions and this has
brought her to the point where she has realised that perhaps she should let people know that she can
come to your activity and create some magic for children at your event.
As an introduction to help organisations, clubs, schools etc with their fundraising Michele, as her
donation, will work for a four-hour slot charging for only half her time. This is a great opportunity if
there is an event coming up where there will be children needing entertaining for any not-for-profit
groups to make some extra money. At previous face painting exercises there have been queues so
long that Michele has not been able to take a break for hours, such is the enthusiasm for this activity.
Keep this in mind for your next activity or party and share the information with your friends and
organisations you belong to.
Merrijig Community Plan Activities
to Frank Johnson from the whole Merrijig Community for successfully bringing to fruition this idea for
a Bush Poets’ Social night to kick off the Merrijig activities events. It was a wonderful atmosphere to
walk into with Derek Beautyman playing his guitar and singing as people arrived, “It’s so nice to walk
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in to the sound of Derek’s playing” commented Andrew Jurrjens of Stirling St in Changue Rd estate.
And Derek had certainly set the happy mood for the rest of the night.
Frank welcomed everyone and introduced the three judges, Val Kirley, Miranda Connoughton-Kerr
and Pam Zierk-Mahoney. Val began a presentation of her own work, by stating “this is what happens
when you are friends with Adele McCormack.” Miranda had everyone in stitches of laughter with her
very amusing pieces. And Pam added her selection before the first contestants were introduced. The
three judges enjoyed their evening and gave great comments to the place getters in each section of
the quest.
First in the under 12 section was Ailish Lunam aged seven, who with the help of her mummy,
Michele, wrote a poem about “A girl named Ailish”. Second place was won by her four year old sister
Erin with her poem about a rainbow farting unicorn.
Ailish winner of U/12 and Erin 2nd prize – photo by Gran McCormack
Third place went to a late entry by 10 year old Archie Retief who recited his poem in the under 18
section.
John McCombe recited a favourite of the audience, “The bush christening” by Banjo Patterson about
the naming of Maginnis Magee, there was raucous applause and much laughter as he concluded:‘The priest, as he fled, flung a flask at his head
That was labeled 'Maginnis's Whiskey'!
Now Maginnis Magee has been made a J.P.,
And the one thing he hates more than sin is
To be asked by the folk, who have heard of the joke,
How he came to be christened Maginnis!’
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John presenting “Clancy of the Overflow” Photo by Louise Jacob
Another special entertainer was young Phoebe Parsons of Glenroy Road who had returned to
Merrijig following singing in Melbourne only the day before, as she had been the winner of the solo
girl section in the ‘soundwave’ competition run recently. Her three songs entranced the audience as
she has a sweet voice and plays beautifully.
Phoebe in full song - photo by Adele McCormack
During supper which was a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches and ‘Jackson made’ sausage
rolls as well as plates brought by the ladies in the audience, Ed Adamson played a selection of bright
songs on his trumpet.
After supper, the under 18 section, which took some encouragement to have enough entrants to take
away the wonderful prizes donated by local businesses was held. To her delight, Ashleigh Jurrjens
took first prize which was a two hour ride with High Country Horses. Second prize went to Oscar
Yencken, who came along to support his friend Phoebe when she entertained, and it was Phoebe
who took out third prize.
To the delight and surprise of the audience a musical ensemble from Timbertop came to the hall after
running up and down Mt Buller earlier in the day. These wonderful youngsters were accompanied by
Phil Bohen the school’s director of music, who proudly introduced the students.
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The amazing Timbertop musical ensemble – Photo by Louise Jacob
They began singing a round in A-capella style which sent tingles down the spine and at its completion
had the audience commenting on feeling goose bumps as the effect of their harmonies was so
spectacular. The next part of their performance had people wiping their eyes as one young man
named Lewis Nicholson, played Silent Night on the keyboard while he presented his own amazingly
moving version of the classic Christmas song. Following their third unaccompanied harmonised
number by the whole group an encore was called for and young Zoe Marshall accompanied by Lewis
wound up the teams bracket singing ‘Skyfall”, the theme from the Jmes Bond movie of the same
name.
The musical director Phil promised to bring a group down from the campus for next year’s activity too
as they enjoyed the event as much as the audience did.
Then it was time to begin the open section of the quest which was begun by Peter Smiles who
presented a poem he and his wife Patsy had written about Dobbo (Alan Dobson) during the 06/07
summer bushfires, entitled “The Man from DSE” followed by a recently written one about “I am a
Wombat” which ultimately won him the first prize.
I Am a Wombat
Now, I am a wombat and I live all alone
In a hole it took ages to dig.
I don’t have an email and I don’t have a phone,
But I have an address – Merrijig.
The hole that I live in is five metres long
And goes into the wall of a dam.
I know that its owner thinks it’s all wrong,
But really I don’t give a hang.
The worms in my lounge-room are tasty and fat;
I have them for breakfast each night.
And then I go searching for this and for that,
Making sure to keep out of sight.
I’d rather have darkness to daylight, of course, I’m shy and nocturnal, you see,
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But I do have a mate –he’s known as a horse –
Called Dino – he’s friendly to me.
Life’s good, and I’m happy doing nothing all day
And just coming out in the dark,
Watching the ‘roos and the wallabies play,
It’s really a bit of a lark.
I don’t care for humans, and foxes are bad,
But koalas are really quite nice.
They’re my nearest rellies, it’s just rather sad
The bastards are covered in lice.
I’ve got youngsters, I think, and two or three wives;
They’re around but heaven knows where.
I guess they’ll be making the best of their lives,
But frankly I really don’t care.
By Peter Smiles, Wild Dog Road, Merrijig
Ed Adamson next presented his selection which included one he had written some years ago about
sawing timber at Christenson’s Mill (site of the existing Mirimbah Traffic Control office) this struck a
chord with the judges and he was presented with 2nd prize. John McCombe followed up and was
given third.
The judging panel from left Pam Zierk-Mahoney, Val Kirley and Miranda Connoughton-Kerr
While the judges were deliberating Adele McCormack picked up her guitar and was joined by her little
granddaughters Ailish and Erin to perform three songs which they often sing together around bonfires
and when entertaining at Buckland House Nursing Home in Mansfield. The audience was delighted
by the performance of the two budding entertainers, who were comfortable behind microphones and
swayed to the rhythm of the songs they were singing like professionals.
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Sister singers Ailish and Erin Lunam sing while Gran, Adele McCormack played guitar
Initial seed funding for this Merrijig social activity was provided by the Shire of Mansfield and
Mansfield Community Bank who combined to fund the “Mansfield Cohesive Communities Project”
and the hall committee manages the money which the social committee was given.
Frank took to the stage and thanked many people who had been working toward making this a
success including 16 sponsors from Merrijig and Mansfield whose businesses Frank encouraged the
audience to support, as without actually doing a count; it appeared that these donations had enabled
the raffles to raise enough money to cover the costs of the night. This of course indicates there will be
plenty available for another activity in the future.
Frank Johnson presenting his poem
He then presented certificates of appreciation to those attending the night who had helped to make it
so successful while Adele McCormack presented specially created printed mugs to the judges
acknowledging their service to the show.
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Happily those involved in putting on the event were offered congratulations and much
encouragement by the locals, as they begin to work toward the next activity - already in the planning
stages – a ‘Fifties night’ with juke box, rock and roll dance lessons – hot dogs and milk shakes. This
event is being planned for February and will be ‘Rockin’ the Merrijig Hall”
If you have any ideas for a social activity let Frank know and he and his sub committee will get to
work on bringing it about. 0400 315 344 or [email protected]
Another idea has already been suggested with the Tennis Open about to begin – the suggestion is
for a fun tennis day. A “Round Robin” I believe they are called, after I said “You mean a red
robin?” (Tennis is not my thing)
Emma may have been prompted by the Bush Poets night
she has a passion for writing poetry. This she has written about Merrijig:
MERRIJIG
M Magnificent
E Equine
R Resort
R Rolling hills
I In
J Jolly
I Invironment (Kiwi horses welcomed)
G Gift for all
Many, equine respite responsibility in joy is given.
MERRIJIG 3723 is the place to be
as none could fare any better,
The township is small, but give them a call,
And the community responds to the "Letter"
A fundraiser is needed, and then it appears
And no one could do any better.
Begin with Sen Weir, a legend, no fear!
The humble "Quiet Achiever"
She toils her land but does makes a stand
To any one "with in an ear"
"I may have buggered me shoulders
But with my cool stubbie holders
I shall make this bloody clear!
Lend a good hand to all, and you shall stand tall
Stand next me - ‘n I‘ll reach your ear.
Adele in time is "A stitch in time"
For this community, will but see
Her avenues of grace for this human race
Is for all that like it here
For bikers and trout and new comers alike
3723 is here
Respect and love it !
****************************************************
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although she tells me
Merrijig Primary School news
The school Christmas concert is on at 5:30 pm on December 18 and everyone is welcome to come
along. The last day of school for 2013 is Friday, December 20. The next term begins on January 28,
2014.
School camps were one activity after another and very exciting for the senior students who teamed
up with Jamieson students to discover more about the Ned Kelly story. They visited the Kelly Tree
and Stringybark Creek shoot-out site, then they went on to Power’s Lookout, which was where
highway robber Harry Power hid out. Next they went on to Glenrowan where there was much
screaming and frights at the sound and light show of the battle between the Kelly Gang and the
police at Jones’ hotel. The bus took the party on to “The Old Priory” at Beechworth, where they
stayed overnight before they checked out Harry Power’s jail cell.
The other students didn’t miss out as the juniors headed off to 15 Mile Creek Camp for their school
camp on Monday last.
Mansfield Hospital Board Community Engagement Forum
On Thursday, November 28 the hall filled up with locals happy to catch up again, many who had
been there only the previous Sunday for the poetry night, and the pleasure of that night was instantly
recalled.
This night was organised by the Mansfield and District Hospital to keep the various communities in
the shire in the loop about what is happening at our local hospital. From the information provided by
Janene Ridley, the CEO, it would appear the board and staff have been working together wonderfully
well and the hospital is in an excellent financial position. Plans are in place for improvements to the
Urgent Care Dept. (Emergency as it was formally known). With the board members and Janene reminding
the powers that be how important our hospital is with it being the most isolated health service in
Victoria, the recent fires proving how when roads are cut around Mansfield district, the Mansfield
Hospital needs to be able to provide for every emergency. They have been rewarded by recently
being granted ‘Additional Growth Funding’ for the Urgent care as well as Maternity sections of the
hospital.
With only three hospitals being granted this extra funding this is no mean feat as well as that we
received the largest grant, and those involved are justifiably proud of their efforts.
There was information about various sections of the hospital and what is available to us at present
which includes a wonderful aged care service, from in-home care for people who can still live
independently, Bindaree Retirement Centre - which has 40 low care residential beds and allows for
two respite care beds as well and the activities program keeps the residents happy and healthy as
long as possible. The next stage is at Buckland House Nursing Home where there are 30 high care
beds, activities and physio programs. Plans are afoot though on government initiatives to work
toward keeping people in their homes until they require high care. Likely because there are so many
baby boomers getting older, the image of providing more and more low care beds as in Bindaree is
causing panic. Hopefully the errors of this system will show up before too many problems are caused
to aging people who cannot really cope well enough to live independently.
Number of patients treated in the emergency department being in excess of 3000, raised questions
about the pressure put on the Emergency department by the outdoor tourist activities in the area, and
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the hospital is working with the organisers of these events to provide some funds toward the costs of
the extra workload this brings. Other questions raised were regarding ambulance cover of our area,
and due to various influences and technologies there have been some problems identified but there
are plans to initiate a new system where highly trained volunteers could be in each community and
be the first on hand to begin treatment while the ambulance is en-route. There are also portable
defibrillators being installed in various strategic spots around the district and eventually Merrijig will
also have a unit where the trained people will be on hand to save lives until paramedic help arrives.
One interesting question was raised at the end of the meeting, that being how does this community
feel about a name change from Mansfield District Hospital to Mansfield District Health. The reasons
are that the facilities offered are greater these days than a hospital generally covers. When a
question was asked about how a name change would affect attracting funding there is a positive
aspect because being District Health there are more avenues to acquire funding from than what is
available for a hospital. So think about this and let the hospital know what your thoughts are.
All in all it was a very informative evening and we are all invited to express our thoughts on the
hospital via a Community Engagement Forum form circulated at the meeting. I was told there was a
link to it on the web page but I couldn’t find it. You can print it off fill it out and send it to the hospital
with reply paid 139 on the envelope.
*************************************
While on the value of local hospitals NOVEMBER was INTERNATIONAL PULMONARY HYPERTENSION
MONTH and I discovered too late for last month’s newsletter that our own Merrijigger, Joan
Godber of Changue Rd is the president of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Australia.
Joan shared a bit about her illness in an effort to make others aware that this can sneak up on
anyone and being aware is no burden.
“In November 2004 my lips and fingers were blue and I was puffing. I saw my GP thinking that being
overweight was the cause; I said I was very out of breath particularly when climbing hills or stairs.
Thankfully he decided to check my heart health where an echocardiogram detected abnormalities
and my oxygen saturation level was way below normal.”
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“After several tests in Wangaratta Hospital I was admitted to be stabilised with oxygen therapy while
a young doctor explained what I had, what it meant, and that he had arranged for me to see the
specialist in Melbourne the following week.”
At the Alfred Hospital Melbourne AIRMed the specialist diagnosed Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial
Hypertension (IPAH) and she underwent, in 10 days rest a barrage of tests which confirmed
moderate to severe IPAH.
Various drugs stabilised Joan for various lengths of time but caused some serious side effects
leading to the use of different types. When all known tablets caused critical side effects Joan became
the first Victorian patient to try a new formula.
Fortunately Joan said “I was very lucky as the drug company agreed to supply my new drugs on
compassionate grounds and I pay the PBS price. Also a second drug was added to the régime. Dual
medications are successful overseas and are now in use here.”
In hindsight Joan believes she had this condition for at least 10 years prior to being diagnosed. What
initially was diagnosed as asthma probably wasn't. “I should have been more aware around the time
my asthma medications weren't working.” Joan said
As President of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Australia, which provides a national internet
based support group for patients, carers and family, Joan believes “This is my way of helping those
touched by this disease which is considered rare,” Joan remarked, “but we sufferers say, it’s instead
rarely diagnosed.”
http://www.phaaustralia.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pulmonary-Hypertension-Australia/609304295792656
A WORD FROM THE SHIRE
Cr Marg Attley - Your local representative on Mansfield
Available to be contacted on: 5776 2231 or
[email protected]
Merrijig Rodeo will go ahead as normal in March 2014 after dispute settlement was
reached following a mediation session on Friday.
Beneficiaries will be chosen at their next meeting and all is ready to roll as preparations steam ahead
for what is hoped to be another successful Merrijig Rodeo.
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McCormack Park
A new arrival at McCormack Park, one portable loo!
I bought this after it took Jackson and I the best part of 1½ hours to pack up the camping toilet tent
after consulting U-Tube for instructions, following Merrijig Trail Riders using the grounds as their start
off base on Sunday, November 16.
When looking on eBay this was available in Bayswater Nth for only $300. So now those small
crowds, as in trail riders or other smallish activities can be carried out at McCormack Park without
having to worry about needing to hire a loo. When the toilet block is built it can either remain as an
auxiliary unit or be moved away to perhaps my shearing shed area. In the meantime it can save the
hiring of one portable loo for Campdraft and Rodeo, I believe that is a saving of $120 per day.
Merrijig Campdraft
is on on December 9th and 10th .
There is no gate entry fee, so pop in and watch the riders in action, the skills of the horse and rider is
something to see and a wonderful opportunity for photography enthusiasts wanting to photograph
action shots. Of course the setting is magnificent the bar will be open from 1pm and food will be on
all day long.
David White winning
Steer = 1
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David = 0
Horse and rider work as one
Little kids are just as good as the grownups
Why did you come to Merrijig?
The lady I asked to be the feature person this month must have run out of time as she didn’t get back
to me with her story, and as people have been asking me why I came to Merrijig, I thought I may as
well be the ‘feature person’ this month because I already know the story.
My first husband’s job brought us to Mansfield, where I instantly fell in love with the district and
community. He on the other hand, fell in love with another woman in another town so he left me and
the two little kids with the mortgage.
After about two years of playing my guitar at night for company one night, with a girlfriend, I headed
out to Merrijig pub for what was billed as a ‘Jam Session’. It turned out to be a talent quest and
encouraged by Geoff and Ian’s mum Mary Davies, I entered and won after performing Mr Bojangles.
So began my interest in Merrijig.
Adele McCormack, a familiar sight around a camp fire making music
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When out for lunch (which was part of the prize) I left the two children aged six and seven at the table
finishing lunch while I went to the toilet. On returning my six year old was sitting with two people I had
never met and greeted me with “it’s ok mummy I said I was Damien and they said they were Shirley
and Cyril, so they are not strangers anymore.”
The pub became my sanity keeper, as a struggling single parent the ‘Devil’s River County Band’ (the
house band), consisting of Paul Purcell, Geoff Davies, Chris Deutscher and various lead guitarists
were what kept me going through each week as each Friday they were there to entertain me. In the
summer months I could take the kids with me and they could sleep in the back of the station wagon,
or more often than not under the table I was sitting at. The pub became a part of my life, and it was
like walking into a part of your own house. Tom and Jack Purcell were always keen to dance with any
and all of we single ladies as the night went on. Carmel, Bonnie and Jean were always happy to see
us and of course there was Cyril.
We became really good friends over a period of about four years and often the kids and I would
spend the weekends on his farm. One time he came into town and gave another single mum, who
also came to the pub, a big bunch of daffodils and gave me a side of lamb. We laughed about that for
decades.
In 1982 Cyril and I were married in Mansfield and although there were some difficult times creating a
happy blended family it worked out well and we were a good team and a happy couple for 23 years
before cancer took him from us.
Every day when I pull back the curtains to welcome the morning I am so grateful to be in Merrijig and
to have this view to wake up to each day. I love the mountains, I love the valleys, I love the animals in
the paddocks.
I also love the community here; I think it’s pretty special, no matter where you go someone will greet
you happily and make you feel welcome. This happened to me the first time I came to Merrijig when
Mary Davies introduced herself and husband Eddie. From then on I have loved Merrijig.
Live entertainment on Saturday, November 16 was brilliant. They began right on 8pm as advertised
and played three brackets right through to around 11pm and what an amazing bunch of musicians
the band is.
The Band is called John-Luke Shelley and High Speed Steel. http://www.highspeedsteel.com.au/
Lead guitarist/vocalist John-Luke Shelley went to school in Mansfield and now resides in Geelong.
He has a most amazing range to his voice and is a brilliant guitarist. His dad Brett Shelley, is the
backup vocalist and rhythm guitarist, with his partner Jan Ash, they live in Howqua and have a
property in Tolmie. The other band members, Mick Field on Bass and Johnny Tesoriero on drums,
unfortunately for them, have no connection with the district and have to live in the suburbs.
Jan, who handles the manager’s roll, told me “We would love to come back for a repeat performance
of a great night and everyone, not only in the band but also the partners agreed that it was a fantastic
atmosphere and gig – thank you to everyone in Merrijig who came along to support us. !"
The dining area was packed with diners enjoying the live music for most of the night; while the bar
was still crowded when the band played ‘Johnny B Goode’ to the packed dance floor but to empty
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tables and chairs with their audience up dancing to the last chord. Publican Mel was thrilled and at
the end of the night, commented on what a success the night had been.
Early in the night
Last song of the night, everyone is dancing
With live entertainment having been one of the requests from the community when Rosemary asked
for what Merrijig people would like from their local, it was wonderful to see how many happy locals
there were. This desire for live music was backed up by many who stayed all night, acknowledging
this is what they have missed – live music and the pub bouncing with happy people.
Live music is back on the menu for New Year's Eve Entertainment - The band is called Electric Intent,
they are a covers band, once again there is free door entry, dinner available from 6.00 pm. Rosemary
recommends booking a table for dinner as the entertainment is on from 8.00 pm.
Please note that the pub will be closed from 6.30 pm on Sunday, December 8, for our staff Christmas
party. Lunch service will be as normal but there will be no dinner service while the staff plays-up
together for a change!
What’s going on at the Merrijig Hall ?
Muscle group and the stitching group will return when school resumes.
News from Merrijig Hall
The Bush Poets’ Social Day last Sunday, November 24 was a great success - see full report
from Adele in the earlier part of this newsletter.
New sign for upcoming events
Shortly passers-by will easily be able to see what future events are to be held at the Merrijig
Public Hall.
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At its meeting last Tuesday, the hall committee decided to approve the erection of the sign
and plans are in place to do that. Included on the sign will be a removable section which can
be changed as events change to alert everyone to what’s on at the hall.
Solar Panels too
Another significant decision taken at the last meeting was to install solar panels on the roof of
the old CFA shed. This will hopefully assist with minimising some of the running costs of the
hall.
Grants co-ordinator, Georgie Deyell, was successful in acquiring seed funding of $3000 for
this from the Mansfield Community Bank which is an enormous help. Without this funding the
project would not have been possible.
The committee has appointed local company Solar Elect for the project whose director Alister
Neely, said that all going well the panels will be installed before Christmas.
First Aid Kit installed
Merrijig Hall now has a fully-equipped first aid kit. The kit is located on the wall in the kitchen
by the door into the meeting room. On the same subject of health and well-being the
committee has applied for funding for the purchase of a defibrillator for emergency use.
Although the closing date for the application was in mid-October the committee won’t know if
it has been successful for quite some time.
Mansfield Hospital Community Engagement Forum
This forum was really well attended with nearly 40 Merrijiggers turning out for the very
interesting public meeting of the board of the hospital. We eclipsed the attendance of 13 at
the Mansfield venue! :-) See full report from Adele elsewhere in the newsletter.
Hall committee meetings
The hall committee meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month so if any Merrijiggers want
something raised or have any suggestions, compliments or criticisms, please don’t hesitate to
send an email to the [email protected] We look forward to your feedback.
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Four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and
Santa began to feel the re-Christmas pressure.
Then Mrs. Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.
When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two
others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.
Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground
and all the toys were scattered.
Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the
cupboard, he discovered the elves had drunk all the cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he
accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen
floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.
Just then the doorbell rang, and an irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there
stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.
The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful
tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?'
And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.
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Not a lot of people know this.
Bye for now Adele
Adele McCormack
45 McCormacks Rd
Merrijig 3723
Ph: 03 5777 5637 Mobile: 0409 600 655
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