Hill ’n’ Ridge
J A N U A R Y
2 0 1 5
I S S U E 3 6
CommunityNewsletter
Newsletter
Community
A
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S L E T T E R P U B L I S H E D B Y R E D H I L L D I S T R I C T
P O B O X 7 2 R E D H I L L S O U T H 3 9 3 7
Email: newsletter@lionsredhill .org.au
Email: [email protected]
UP COMING
EVENTS
JANUARY
2
Music on the Hill
3
Red Hill Market
4
Peninsula Summer Music
Festival Twilight Jazz
(Montalto)
10
Portsea Polo
11
Two Bays Trail Run
17
18
The Summer Collector's Show
Tucks Road
18
Pt Nepean Portsea Market
9am-2pm
20
Lions Thank you BBQ
23
RHGS Growing Healthy
Roses with Ailsa Hemphill
L I O N S
C L U B
I N C
www.lionsredhill.org.au
Website: lionsredhill.vic.lions.org.au
MAIN RIDGE FIRE STATION OPENING:
‘A JOYOUS AND IMPORTANT OCCASION’
FEBRUARY
7
Red Hill Market
7
Peninsula Short Film Festival
17
Meet the Locals- Gorgelicious
27
RHGS - Plant Food Producers
28
Between the Bays Music Festival
MARCH
7
Red Hill Market
27
RHGS workshop
28
Red Hill Show
I NS I D E
4
Creative Red Hill Show
5
Music on the Hill
6
Climate Change Message
9
Win for Hummingbird
12
Water Tank officially opened
for fire season
Deadline for
Issue 37
Deadline
FEBRUARY 2nd
for
Please email articles, dates of
Issue
3
events, photos and
information to
June 16th
[email protected]
Include events for
MARCH, APRIL, MAY 2015
Australia’s Governor General called it a joyous and important occasion when he officially opened the new Main
Ridge Fire Station on Thursday, November 13 - a fairly warm day that heightened the awareness of the need for
such a facility.
MC for the occasion, Lieutenant John Goodall welcomed a gathering of around 300 people made up of
community leaders and those who had generously contributed to the building fund. They were joined by two
State Government Ministers - Kim Wells, Emergency Services Minister and
Martin Dixon, Education Minister and local MP-, the newly elected Mayor of
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Cr Bev Colomb and senior officers from
CFA headquarters to hear His Excellency General, the Honourable Sir Peter
Cosgrove describe the new station as a magnificent facility.
The Governor General praised the work of volunteers, referring to the
“Australian-ness of the CFA” and how uplifting it is to see the hundreds and
thousands of men and women who direct the operations that stop fires and
save property and people.
“All of Australia holds its breath during the bushfire season, knowing what the
ravages of fire can do to communities,” he said.
Praising the local volunteers who make up the Main Ridge Brigade he said
“they deserve nothing less than this wonderful facility.”
Speaking on behalf of the CFA, Deputy Chair, John Peberdy reminded the
audience that the Main Ridge Brigade was formed in 1945 and was now a 21
Lieutenant John Goodall speaking member brigade. He said the new building had cost $789,000 with $80,000
coming from community donations and the balance from the State
at the opening of the new
Government.
Continued on Page 3
Main Ridge Fire Station
We sell and manage rural. Beach and residential real estate from Merricks to
Flinders, Main Ridge to Shoreham ....and Red Hill of course!
Phillip McNeill-Young |Licensed Estate Agent |Direct (03) 5989 2364 | Mobile 0428 148 693
Jacobs & Lowe 81 Arthurs Seat Rd. Red Hill [email protected] | jacobsandlowe.com.au |
This newsletter is delivered to all residential mail boxes in Red Hill and Main Ridge with the
compliments of Phillip McNeill-Young from the Red Hill Office of Jacobs & Lowe Estate Agents.
The Red Hill District Lions Club Incorporated do their best to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this publication but dop not take any responsibility for any claim, demand or other loss however caused by reliance on any information or content found within. Any views or opinions contained on these pages are those of the author(s) and not those of
the Publisher.
HILL
’N’
RIDGE
PAGE
1
NEW MAIN RIDGE FIRE STATION: THE JOURNEY
About two or three years ago the State
Government announced that it was
going to fund the building of new fire
stations around Victoria and Main
Ridge was on the list.
But it was not a straightforward matter.
A critical issue to be resolved was the
location. Ian Troutbeck and his team
knew that building on the existing site
was not the most desirable way
forward.
“The site was too small. Backing big
trucks in from the road was a problem.
And we needed a three bay station,
rather than the prescribed standard two
bay station, in order to accommodate
the third Brigade-owned vehicle,” he
explained.
Finding a new site proved to be quite
difficult and there were times when it
would have been easy to settle for
building on the existing site. But Ian
was insistent and persistent.
Eventually the site at the Council
owned Ditterich Reserve, near the
corner of Shands Road was identified
a n d i t wa s c on si de r ed id ea l .
Interestingly it is opposite where the
first fire station was built in 1946 and
served the brigade and the community
until 1972.
Faced with Council officers mounting
reasons why it would be preferable not
to use this land for a fire station, mainly
on the grounds that it might be needed
for future sporting purposes, Ian
Troutbeck turned to the elected
councillors and in particular made an
ally of then councillor Frank Martin.
When a report came before the Council
Frank Martin moved that the land
should be granted to the CFA and to
his surprise and delight it was
supported unanimously by his
councillor colleagues. Ian had done the
rounds to shore up support. So Frank
Martin was rightly proud of the part he
had played as he witnessed the
opening of the new station.
Following the Council decision to grant
the land planning permits and
approvals took further time but once the
builders started it all took shape in a
few months.
In the light -hearted barbeque
atmosphere Ian Troutbeck thanked his
team – he humbly shares any credit
with the team. But the team know, and
they openly declare, that it is the
HILL
’N’
RIDGE
Mixing easily with the crowd after the opening Sir Peter met many locals, including Scarlett
Taylor, the 3 year old granddaughter of Captain Ian Troutbeck.
Photo Rob Stephens. Main Ridge CFA
tenacity and persistence of their captain
that has brought this project about.
“He would not take ‘no’ for an answer,”
is how Brigade Secretary Andrew
McKinnon put it. Just quietly and with
his usual sincerity Ian confides how
much work at the higher level is done
by Brigade elder, Graeme Flockart.
“And he gives me lots of support and
fatherly advice,” Ian said.
Firemen and members of the
community went home knowing that
something good had been achieved
this day, reinforced by the fact that the
Governor General had given it his
blessing.- RB.
Things the firemen like about the new
station are:
 Good space in the shed to move
around between the trucks – creates
a safer working space and helps with
loading and unloading.
 Easy to exit and enter with trucks and
good visibility to get onto the road.
 Drive-through shed gives flexibility.
 Co-location with other groups gives
higher community profile.
 Safer surrounding environment leaving cars parked at the old station
among the trees was risky on fire
danger days.
 Excellent meeting, training and
kitchen facilities.
 Shed roof is high enough to
accommodate new style fire trucks in
the future.
Images by Keith Pakenham
PAGE
2
FLINDERS LIONS GOLF DAY TO BE
HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR
NEW NAME, NEW PURPOSE,
NEW LOOK
The Flinders District Lions Club will hold
its 27th Annual Charity Golf Day on
Monday, 16th February, 2015, earlier this
year due to other commitments at the
Golf Club
Venue for the event is the picturesque
Flinders Golf Club with its extensive
panoramic views over Westernport Bay
and Bass Strait.
Major sponsors for this event are the
Rye & District Community Bank Branch
of the Bendigo Bank and The Flinders
Golf Club.
Proceeds from the day are donated to
local charities and community projects.
Registration at the Golf Club will be from
8.00am and men’s and ladies’ Stableford
rules play will commence at 8.45 am with
a shotgun start. Players without official
club handicaps will be handicapped
using the Callaway system. Coffee, cold
drinks, refreshments and hot snacks will
be served around the course during play.
The game will be followed at 1.30pm by
lunch in the Clubhouse, with high quality
prize presentations, door prizes, raffles
and auctions. All levels of players, from
beginners to single figure handicappers,
are welcome and have equal opportunity
to win prizes in many categories. There
will also be lots of door prizes and
players can bid for great auction and
silent auction prizes.
This Golf Day is always a lot of fun and if
past history is any indication, the
weather promises to be perfect.
Members voted for two important
changes at RHCA’s November AGM.
Our name has changed - we became
Red Hill Community Association. This
reflects RHCA’s desire to have a broader
role in fostering a sense of community
and a more positive and inclusive
purpose.
A new logo is being designed – hopefully
including our famous green parrots – and
we will relaunch our website .The
Committee for 2015 was elected and we
bid farewell to Vice President Bob
Anselmi who has been on the Committee
since we began almost 10 years ago.
Bob has worked solidly for RHCA over
the years and we will miss his
contribution greatly. Taking his place on
the Committee is Mark Stirling, who we
welcome and look forward to his
enthusiasm and input in the coming year.
Our office bearers will be advised shortly
and be chosen from: John Eldridge,
Felicity Jackson, David Maddocks, Jenny
McIlroy, Mark Stirling and Kerry Watson.
Following a delicious afternoon tea, John
Eldridge and his co-trekker Alan Steele
gave a talk highlighted with beautiful
photos about the inaugural Burke and
Wills Trek in which they took part last
August. The trek began at Cooper
Creek and ended 330 km later at
Birdsville. The teams, which raised
funds for Juvenile Diabetes Research via
sponsorships, walked about 30 km a day
over a period of 12 days, through the
most dramatic, isolated and beautiful
parts of inland Australia. They were
backed up by members of the armed
forces who took trekkers’ luggage and
tents, etc., from camp to camp, and
prepared their meals, also providing a
much needed shower for them midway
through the trek. The third member of
John’s team, Arthur Biri, was unable to
attend our AGM, but all three enjoyed
the experience and would have little
hesitation in doing it all over again!
EVERYONE WELCOME
ENTRY FEE $70.00 per player
(includes lunch, door prizes, snacks &
refreshments during play)
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ON
THE FLINDERS GOLF CLUB WEBSITE
www.flindersgolfclub.com.au
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: FRIDAY,
13th FEBRUARY 2015, OR WHEN FILLED
For further information email
[email protected]
or contact Gabby Crehan 0417104722
or Keith Hando 59890404
HILL
’N’
RIDGE
Our RHGS is an inclusive group,
welcoming visitors and new members
when we meet on the 4th Friday of most
months in the Red Hill Community Hall,
on Mechanics Road, Red Hill at 10am.
Inclusive, because our surveyed 2014
members declared that we are a friendly
bunch. Additionally, we have something
for all gardening preferences. We inspire
each other with our garden blooms and
produce, pick up living bargains at the
trading table, and learn from expert
presenters.
Grab your diary to mark the following
dates for 2015...
January 23: Local rose specialist, Ailsa
Hemphill, will share her tricks for growing
healthy roses.
February 27:
Plant food producers,
Nuetrog, from SA, will be presenting.
March 27: We will either have a Fern
expert or we will workshop to share our
experience for garden preparation for
winter. (To be confirmed.)
If you decide to become a member then
there are additional gardening related
events throughout the year…tours,
member’s
gardens,
in
situ
demonstrations, workshops and the Red
Hill Spring Garden Festival. If you love
your gardening then our RHGS is the
group to join.
Not able to attend? Then visit our
website or Facebook with news and
weekly postings.
Happy Summer Gardening.
www.rhgs.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/
RedHillSpringGardenFestival
CAROLS ON THE HILL
Kerry Watson
MAIN RIDGE FIRE STATION OPENING
Acknowledged as the driving force,
whose persistence brought the project to
fruition, Brigade Captain, Ian Troutbeck
described it as a wonderful occasion and
said that locals had fought hard to get
the new station. He thanked the Council
for providing the land and the community
for its generosity.
“This station should serve us for 50
years because it gives us the space to
house bigger trucks and allows for future
expansion,” he said.
Concluding his remarks Captain
Troutbeck referred to the upcoming fire
season, claiming that it was coming in a
month earlier this year and he appealed
for personal responsibility.
“Prepare your properties, make sure you
give us ‘daylight’ (a term used by firemen
meaning that they want to be able to
RED HILL GARDENING SOCIETY
INVITE YOU TO INSPIRE, LEARN,
AND SHARE IN 2015
Continued from page 1
access properties with a big truck without
being caught up in overhanging trees
and bushes in the driveway) and have
your fire plans ready,” he said.
With this message ringing in their ears
the gathering adjourned for afternoon tea
– a magnificent spread of sandwiches,
cakes, tarts and slices perfectly suitable
for Vice Royalty, put on by the ladies
from the Rosebud CWA.
When the crowd drifted away the firemen
and their wives/partners packed up and
then settled into their new station
reception area for a few drinks and a
barbeque, winding down from the
excitement of the day’s events. It was in
this relaxed atmosphere that aspects of
the journey that had been travelled were
recounted – see page 2 for the backstory
and pictures from the day.
The Carols on the Hill were well attended
this year . Many youngsters participated
in the Nativity performance .
The Probus Choir ( pictured above)
added their voices to the familiar carols.
PAGE
3
RED HILL ALIVE WITH
THE TASTE OF PIZZA
and FISH ‘N’ CHIPS
For a long time locals have complained
about the lack of eating venues where
an affordable dinner is available.
With the arrival of the warmer months
and an inundation of tourists, four of
Red Hill’s cafes and bakeries - normally
closed in the evenings – have come up
with Friday night alfresco and in-house
dining at a reasonable price.
Carol and Phil at Food on The Hill on
Friday nights have appetiser dips,
followed by a variety of pizzas and
salad for $20 a head – BYO wine or
beer and pay $2 corkage.
At Red Hill Cellar and Pantry Joe and
Dee are serving pizzas on the deck on
Friday afternoons from 3pm to 6.30pm.
Keeping it simple two varieties are
available – a salami and olive pizza and
a margherita – a four slice pizza costing
$14. Being licensed they also offer a
glass of wine or beer.
On Friday nights at the Red Hill
Bakery Ray and Jill are offering pizzas
plus a wide range of seafood dishes
including their famous fish ‘n’ chips.
Fully licensed, the Friday night bar at
the Bakery is run by the Red Hill
Football Club as an extension of the
Red Hill Bakery’s sponsorship of the
Club. All profit from the bar goes to the
Football Club and Netball Club.
At the Gorgelicious Store in Flinders
Road (opposite the School) Ria started
doing pizzas but has now switched to
fish ‘n’ chips, offering fresh flat head
tails and a cone of chips - eat in or
takeaway - for $14.50, available from
3.30pm to 7pm every Friday. Ria will
continue with this all summer but until
she gets a liquor licence cannot offer
alcoholic drinks.
As well as giving locals and tourists
access to an affordable meal this
hospitality activity is good for local jobs.
Red Hill’s local hospitality businesses
employ hundreds of young people. For
example the Red Hill Bakery alone
employs 45 full and part-time workers,
most living locally.
So if you are a local, why not eat locally?
HE THOMAS
TRANSPORT PTY LTD
Family Business Since 1950
David & Anne Thomas, Dale & Mandi Thomas
DOMESTIC WATER
CARTAGE
GENERAL CARTAGE
LOW LOADER
5989 6083
[email protected]
HILL
’N’
RIDGE
RED HILL SHOW CALLS FOR CREATIVE PARTICIPATION
Planning is well underway for the 2015
Red Hill Show and it’s all looking very
exciting for Saturday, March 28th 2015 –
save the date!
The Red Hill Showjumping will be held
on Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April
12th, and the Clydesdale Spectacular on
Saturday April 11th – both these
sensational events will again take place
at Boneo Park Equestrian Centre,
Rosebud.
Schedules for the various areas of
competition are in the final stages of
preparation and will be available (online
and in print) at the end of December.
The Red Hill Show website is
www.redhillshow.com.au, the email
address is [email protected] , or
you can contact the office by telephoning
5989 2357
Can I give you a sneak preview? This
year there are some sensational new
classes to tweak your interest and
challenge your creativity. Imagine the
fun you will have creating your entry for
the “High Tea” class in Cooking and “The
Seasonal Basket of Flowers, Fruit and/or
Vegetables” in the Flower Section.
Whilst still in the Flower Section, I can’t
wait to see what the younger entrants
are going to achieve as they design and
make a “Flower Carpet” in a polystyrene
tray, or create a Monster Face from dried
plant material. Wow!
New classes can be found throughout
the Schedule, offering something for
everyone to enter, and there are classes
for children in most sections, so it is an
activity in which the whole family can
participate
The up-coming holiday season is the
perfect time to start work on your entries
for the Art, Craft and Photography
Sections of the Show – Summer holiday
OP SHOP CHALLENGE —
BE CREATIVE WITH
RECYCLED GOODS
The Red Hill Op Shop is throwing its
support behind the Red Hill Show
Society in 2015 and is offering two prizes
for the “Best Craft Project using
Recycled Goods”. This is a new prize
category and well worth putting your
thinking cap on and getting an entry in to
the Show’s craft section quick smart!
There will be two prizes awarded, first a
voucher for $100.00, second a $50.00
voucher, these will be for goods from the
Red Hill Op Shop.
There are many interesting craft
categories for people of all ages to enter
and be in the running for our prizes.
The Red Hill Op Shop is focussed on
reusing and repurposing the many
donated items that come into the store
and we are happy to see people
recycling.
Collect a Schedule from the Red Hill
Show Society as soon as you can, and
get creative!
snaps always please the photography
judge. Give your holiday visitors a treat
by trialling your best cake or slice recipe
on them, and ask them for critical
comments (bet there aren’t any!). Start
planting your flowers for some gorgeous
Autumn blooms and how about
commencing work on a planting and
cultivation program to ensure that your
vegetables and fruit will be ripe and
ready for the fourth weekend in March.
Be part of the 2015 Red Hill Show – you
will enjoy the experience.
And now, for the “commercial”......
We are currently seeking Expressions of
Interest for an exciting opportunity to join
the Red Hill Show Committee in the role
of Executive Officer.
This dynamic role includes a rewarding
variety of tasks; flexible hours; an
honorarium; working with a supportive co
-team of committee members and
volunteers, and a chance to be part of
the planning and implementation of the
iconic Red Hill Show.
Applicants with previous experience in
event organisation, not-for-profit
organisations or incorporated groups will
be viewed favourably.
Please forward your enquiries, along
with a brief description of your relevant
skills
and
experience
to
[email protected]
We look forward to hearing from you.
Liz Dart - For the Red Hill A & H Society
WILDLIFE MATTERS
Drive at 80 km Dusk to Dawn
Did you know that one of the biggest
causes of loss to our beautiful wildlife is
the humble motorcar? Motor vehicle
accidents have been shown, over
repeated studies, to significantly impact
population viabilities and genetic pools.
Even our common species can slip into
decline. Other studies have found that
the speed of a car can significantly affect
wildlife population outcomes. They have
concluded that a night time speed of less
than 80 km/ hour can enhance species
survival.
The conclusions that we can draw from
these studies for our local Peninsula
wildlife is that we must not take our eyes
off apparently healthy populations of all
our native species, even the common
ones; that road kill is the most significant
threat to our fauna and that we can
actually make a significant difference by
slowing down and driving below 80 km/
hour from dusk to dawn.
While it is difficult to convince Vic Roads
to change speed signs and restrictions,
we can each make a significant
difference right now to our wildlife health
by personally reducing our night time
speeds and encouraging others to do so.
So how about it?
Let’s drive 80 km dawn to dusk!
Dr. Amanda Breidahl MVSc
(Conservation Medicine)
PAGE
4
BOWLS AND BOULES TOGETHER AT
MAIN RIDGE
In an historic coming together of sporting
clubs on the Peninsula, the Red Hill
Petanque players will move to the Main
Ridge Bowls Club to form a new club.
Both clubs, together with the Red Hill
Lions Club and with help from the
Dromana Rotary Club, will be
constructing a tournament standard piste
in the grounds of the MRBC located just
behind the Main Ridge Tennis and
Cricket Clubs.
“It's a joyous occasion for both clubs and
mutually beneficial,” reflected Bowls Club
President Roy Farrell “Petanque is a
growing sport with perhaps a more social
aspect to it than bowls and the petanque
players have had no club house facilities
till now,” he added.
The injection of new members will
breathe new life into the Bowls Club as
was demonstrated at a recent combined
social function.
With the help of the Mornington Shire
Council, the club has applied for and
received a State Government grant of
$21,000 towards meeting construction
costs. Rob Connor, chairman of the
Project Committee said, “Work on the
piste is expected to start in February and
be ready to host the annual Autumn
Tournament”.
“After twelve months of discussion, we
were pleased to hear the announcement
of the grant and that work on the piste
can now begin,” said Sandra Ripper,
president of the Petanque Club. “Our
members are looking forward to a new
home with facilities to accommodate our
growing membership.”
In other news, bowlers are enjoying a
well-earned Christmas break with
Pennant set to commence again on
Saturday January 17th. Friday afternoon
social bowls and coaching will however
continue through the summer.
Remember from 3:30 pm onwards
members, visitors and newcomers alike
can come and play socially and share a
drink and Tapas in the Clubhouse
afterwards.
Social Bowls on Friday afternoon at the
Main Ridge Bowls Club
Hasta Luego!
Jonathan O'Sullivan
MEET THE LOCALS
February 17
GORGELICIOUS 9:30 AM
SEE PAGE 10
HILL
’N’
RIDGE
RED HILL COMES ALIVE
WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC
It’s the new music event that everybody’s
talking about.
Music on the Hill – or MOTH is quickly
carving a reputation as the must-see gig
on Victoria’s music calendar.
MOTH is a new monthly community
music event that brings great Australian
talent to the Peninsula Hinterland.
Started by Red Hill locals Anthony Egan
and Robin Griffiths after hatching a plan
over coffee at Cellar and Pantry, the goal
was to provide a welcoming and friendly
event where accomplished singer
songwriters perform to music lovers in an
intimate setting.
“This is all about creating a great
community event,” said Robin.
“MOTH is committed to supporting local
singer songwriters, so the featured artists
are supported by well-known or up-andcoming Peninsula musicians.”
NATURE’S NATURAL DYES
DEMONSTRATED
I recently gave a demonstration on
natural dyeing at Cranbourne Royal
Botanic Gardens, using examples of
their native flora.
I explained how
plants can give colourful and lasting
prints on fabric and revealed the
serendipitous alchemy that happens
during this process. I unwrapped some
fabric bundles and it was fun to see
everyone’s faces light up, as they saw
the colours mystically appear.
The
process actually exploits a series of
chemical reactions, but when you first
see this happen, it really does seem like
magic!
From the demo it was clear that people
wanted to try it at home, but wanted
more guidance and support to get
started.
Although there is a lot of
internet information, there are limited
hands-on opportunities, particularly on
the Peninsula, to learn how to use
natural plant dyes safely and creatively.
So, I organised a series of weekend
workshops, throughout November, to
help people get properly set up, showing
them how easy and rewarding it is.
With health and safety paramount, we
covered all the steps, from gathering
plant material and setting up dye baths,
to preparing and bundling fabric samples
for dyeing, to caring for these fabrics and
extending their colour palette, once
dyed.
We all had a marvellous time, brewing
up aromatic pots of dye colours, creating
distinct and unique prints on silk, wool,
linen and cotton and dyed our own
sewing threads - all done, using
eucalypts, garden plants, fruits and
vegetables.
These workshops will be repeated in
2015 and if you, or someone you know,
would like to come along and try natural
dyeing, please call me on (03) 5989
2083 or 0417 352 713 or email:
[email protected] Tina Whiteley
Tobias Hengeveld performing at MOTH
The very first MOTH took place on Friday 5
September after months of planning.
Headline artists to have featured at MOTH
include Charles Jenkins, Tobias Hengeveld,
James Kenyon, Emma Anglesey and
Jackson McLaren. Local artists that have
appeared so far are Nathan Lomas, Tim
Stout, Paul Dillon, Tash Parker and Jeff
Wall.
The first MOTH of 2015 will feature Rob
Snarski, lead singer of The Blackeyed
Susans. Rob is performing on Friday, 2
January and will be supported by Red Hill’s
Ruby Whiting.
Tasty food and local wines and beer are
available on the night.
MOTH takes place on the first Friday of
every month at the Red Hill Community
Pavilion, 184 Arthurs Seat Road. Tickets
are $20 for adults and $10 for children (17
years and under) and are available from
www.musiconthehill.com.au
MOTH is hosted by and supports Red Hill
sporting clubs and profits go towards the
clubs, the artists and the hiring of
equipment on the night.
Robin Griffiths
MASTER PLAN OPEN FOR PUBLIC
INSPECTION AND FEEDBACK
The Draft Long Term Master Plan for Red
Hill Station Reserve will be presented to
Council on 15 December with an eight
week period of public exhibition
recommended. Public feedback is sought
on the draft plan during the exhibition
period. The plan will be available to review
at the Hastings, Mornington and Rosebud
Shire offices, on the shire website in the
‘your say’ section
(www.mornpen.vic.gov.au) and there will
be notices on local notice boards.
Residents are invited to review the plan and
submit feedback on the range of
improvements proposed for the Station
Reserve. Improvements proposed include
woody weed removal, an expanded car
park, new picnic and play facilities and
interpretation of railway heritage features.
LOCAL BUSINESSES WIN
TOURISM AWARDS
Eight Mornington Peninsula tourism
businesses were presented with 2014
RACV Tourism Awards in October. They
are: The Enchanted Adventure Garden,
Peninsula Hot Springs, Moonlit Sanctuary,
Searoad Ferries, Green Olive at Red Hill,
Frankston Visitor Information Centre,
Stillwater at Crittenden, and the Wine Food
Farmgate regional marketing campaign. All
Victorian winners will be represented at the
Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be
held in Adelaide in April 2015
PAGE
5
PROFESSOR’S MESSAGE TO LANDCARE ON CLIMATE CHANGE
What will it take to persuade our
politicians to do something significant
about climate change, like phasing out
coal production and increasing our
renewable energy targets rather than
cutting them?
Why is the science ignored? How many
more adverse weather events must
occur….how much more must the
temperature rise before meaningful
action is taken?
When will it be understood that burning
coal is NOT good for humanity?
These are some of the questions folk
attending a recent meeting of the Main
Creek Catchment Landcare Group
were left pondering after a talk about
climate change and its implications for
the Mornington Peninsula given by
Professor David Karoly from the
University of Melbourne’s School of
Earth Sciences.
Professor Karoly explained:
Because we have done little to date to
alleviate the increase in greenhouse
gases, today we no longer have the
choice of maintaining the weather
status quo….that opportunity has
passed. Today we have 3 climate
choices: hot, hotter or much hotter.
There is unequivocal, unambiguous,
unprecedented data, accepted by the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) to show that today’s
CO2 levels are higher than they have
been for at least 800,000 years. These
levels are outside the range of natural
variability. Basically the current data
shows increases in
 Air temperature over land
 Marine air temperature
 Sea surface temperature
 Air temperature in the troposphere
 Ocean heat content
 Water vapour
 Sea level and decreases in
 Sea ice area
 Glacial volume
 Snow cover
Professor Karoly reminded us that 2013
was the hottest year on record in
Australia. We know CO2
concentrations have increased by 40%
since pre-industrial times, primarily from
fossil fuel emissions and secondarily
from emissions from changed land use.
HILL
’N’
RIDGE
The oceans have absorbed about 30%
of the emitted anthropogenic CO2
causing ocean acidification. Yet our
government has cut back our
renewables targets and attempted to
axe the Australian Climate Commission
(ACC). Unsurprisingly emissions in
Australia have continued to increase
since the ACC was temporarily
discontinued.
If we act NOW, we could stabilize the
temperature rise at 2°C, but as we are
being told that coal is good for
humanity, this seems an unlikely
scenario. True, brown coal seems like a
cheap source of energy now, but what
is the longer term cost of digging up our
coal, not only for our use, but exporting
it to countries like China, Japan and
India? What is the benefit to humanity
when the impact of burning this coal will
contribute to changing the climate so
profoundly that many will find the very
act of living difficult with more natural
disasters, floods, bush fires, increased
heat stress, associated infectious
diseases and coastal flooding due to
rising sea levels. What will these
disasters cost both in lives and dollars?
A sobering projection is that even if we
do act now, sea levels will continue to
rise above 1990 levels for another 3001000 years after the temperature
stabilises.
These outcomes will hardly benefit
humanity.
Professor Karoly further explained that
if we bury our heads in the sand and
continue with business as usual a rise
of average mean temperature of 2.8°C
is projected by 2070. This would mean
Melbourne’s climate would be similar to
that of West Wyalong today: summer
rainfall would decrease by 4%, winter
rainfall would decrease by 12% and
there would be about twice the number
of days over 35°C.
This would mean:
 More bushfires
 Decreased stream flow
 Increased sea level and resultant
erosion (on the Mornington Peninsula
this would be greater on the bay side
than the ocean side)
 Decreased snow on the highlands
The frustrating element to all this is that
we have the knowledge and technology
TODAY to stabilize the temperature at
2°. This would include phasing out 80%
of the mining and burning of fossil fuels
except with carbon capture and
storage. We could instead move to low
carbon energy systems such as
renewables. (An added bonus is that
there are more jobs in developing new
industries for renewables than in the
coal industry.)
We could end deforestation, implement
electrification of transport , adopt more
efficient use of electricity particularly
with our heating and cooling systems,
develop more efficient electrical goods
and improve abatement of emissions in
agriculture e.g. by reducing methane
produced by animals by changing the
animals’ diet.
But we need to act and we need to act
NOW.
The UK has committed to cutting
emissions by 50% by 2030. To date
Australia has undertaken to cut
emissions by a minimum of 5% by
2020. Is this good enough?
Professor Karoly concluded by saying
“Coal is only good for humanity if it
stays in the ground, otherwise our
future is black”.
Tandberg
From The Age, 27/3/12.
Permission from Tandberg
Adie Smith
Main Ridge Landcare
FOR SALE
Family of 5 Alpacas
Contact Anne:
0416 164 813
We have a
limited
number of Lion’s roses
available now @ $20
contact
59896498
[email protected]
PAGE
6
MICHAEL LEEWORTHY’S
STUDIO/GALLERY
133 SHOREHAM ROAD RED HILL
Beginners plus
ART CLASSES
Contact us to discuss your farming
requirements
With Mike Leeworthy
DRAWING AND PAINTING
Enquire Now
0408051027 / 59892776
[email protected]
www.michaelleeworthy.com
DENIS DELANEY
A Grade Electrician
Prompt attention to all your
electrical needs in
Red Hill and District
Small jobs, renovations,
innovative lighting solutions
JT Farm Contracting
We are based in Main Ridge and offer a
wide range of farm contracting services
including:








Farm fencing
Building wooden gates
Pasture renovation
Fertilizer and lime spreading
Haymaking and hay supply
Livestock management
Property management
Weed control
Call Jonathan to discuss how
we can help you
0407 896 484 or 5989 6484
MAIN RIDGE BOWLS CLUB
OFFERS:
 Club House with seating up to 120
 Licensed Bar Facilities
 Two Full Sized Greens – 14 Rinks
 Personal Coaching
 by Accredited Coaches
 Bowls Equipment for Loan
 BBQ Facilities
 Idyllic Rural Environment
 Social Bowls and Coaching every
Friday from 3.30pm.
NEWCOMERS TO BOWLS
ESPECIALLY WELCOME!
CONTACT
HILL
LEE MELLETT 5981 8890
’N’
RIDGE
Phone 0418 171829 or 5981 8129
No job too small!
We sell and manage rural, beach and
residential real estate from
Merricks to Flinders,
Main Ridge to Shoreham
and Red Hill – of course
Jacobs & Lowe
81 Arthurs Seat Rd
Red Hill
Ph 59892364
RED HILL COMMUNITY ASSOC
Now in its ninth year!
Campaigning
 to preserve & protect our community
 for a Red Hill character study
 to get our village a picnic/playground
 for a local bushfire ‘safer place’
 to keep the Green Wedge green
Jo in RH CA toda y
Help preserve and protect your community
5989 2116
Sales, Rentals,
Holiday Lettings
Open 7 days
Proud Sponsor
www.rtedgar.com.au
Offices in
Flinders & Red Hill
[email protected]
PAGE
7
NEW COACH FOR MAIN RIDGE TENNIS CLUB
Main Ridge Tennis Club Inc. has just
appointed a new head coach for 2015.
Hill ’n’ Ridge Contact List
Red Hill Agricultural and
Horticultural Society (Red Hill Show)
5989 2357 [email protected]
Amanda Hassett will be coaching at
Main Ridge from term 1 2015 , taking
over from Julian Arnold .
Mornington Peninsula Alpaca
Breeders Inc.
David Daddo 5989 2866
Amanda is well qualified and has over
15 years coaching experience .
She holds Tennis Australia Club
Professional
accreditation
(Level
2),Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor
Teaching (Primary & Secondary)
Her coaching experience includes
Tennis Coach in Singapore (Tanglin
Club,
National
Universtity
Singapore),Bairnsdale Tennis Club,
Paynesville, Stratford and many other
East Gippsland locations, Gippsland
Sports Academy Head Coach (Tennis
Victoria), Main Ridge Tennis Club
& Rye Tennis Club, MPR Squad
Coach, Wesley College Head Girls
Coach, Wilson Cup Victorian Girls
Coach (Tennis Victoria) and Royal
South Yarra Tennis Club where she
was to the Head Professional
Junior group coaching will run from
4pm
Tuesday,
Wednesday
&
Thursdays and each class will be a
maximum of 4 . No washouts
Main Creek Catchment Landcare
Adrienne Smith 5989 6078
Red Hill Gardening Society
Ann Hull, Secretary [email protected]
www.rhgs.com.au
Red Hill Opportunity Shop
Kerri Egan, 5931 0383
[email protected]
Red Hill Football Club
Club Rooms 5989 2500
redhillfc.vcfl.com.au
Red Hill Junior Football Club
President Darren Morgan 0425 791 870
www.redhilljfc.net
Red Hill Cricket Club
5989 2500 Club Room
[email protected]
Red Hill Tennis Club
Club House 5989 2642
Phil Davies 0416 229 205
Amanda can be contacted at Tactical
Tennis Phone 0408 304 99997
[email protected]
www.tacticaltennis.com.au
Red Hill Scout Association
Stuart and Wendy Westle 5989 2302
Red Hill Community Action
Kerry Watson 0415 514 440.
[email protected]
Seawinds Nursery Volunteers Inc.
A BUSY YEAR FOR THE
SHEEPWASH CREEK
CATCHMENT LANDCARE
GROUP
Sheepwash Creek Catchment
Landcare Group started a little over a
year ago and in such a short time we
have achieved so much. We have
run information sessions on bushfire
awareness, identifying birds and
weeds in the area. Hikes near the
headwaters of Sheepwash Creek and
on a property further along the creek
showed the diversity of the
catchment. We were able to stop,
through vigilant monitoring and EPA
intervention, industrial contamination
of Sheepwash Creek near the
Dromana Industrial estate.
Four working bees in the Arthurs
Seat State Park east of the OT dam
on the borders of private properties
have made a huge impact by clearing
pittosporum, pines, blackberries and
boneseed.
The Federal Government initiated its
Green Army Project. The Sheepwash
Creek Catchment Landcare Group
was very pleased to have been
allocated a 3-week period of work in
December and January. This will
enable us to intensify our weed
control program in the Arthurs Seat
State Park.
HILL
’N’
RIDGE
Meets Mondays 9:00am
Kathy Wyatt 5987 3093 (Mon am)
Red Hill District Lions Club
Meets 2nd & 4th Mondays
Ellie Dowlan 5989 3034
Main Ridge Tennis Club
[email protected]
Night Tennis: Anne Thomas
5989 6128 / 0408 382 453
Members clearing weed species.
Main Ridge Cricket Club
Stuart Rigby 0409250370
Come and join the fun and do
something wonderful for our area.
New members welcome.
Michelle de la Coeur – secretary
[email protected] 0419 579 277
Main Ridge Bowls Club
Club House 5989 6173
Lee Mellett (Sec) 59818890
mainridgebowlsclub.com.au
Red Hill Bridge Club
Ken & Eileen Farren 59811575
[email protected]
ArthursSeat Probus Club (Mixed)
Meets 10am 2nd Friday Main Ridge hall
Kerri Flockart 5986 3636
St George's Anglican Church
We create beautiful landscapes
Qualified, experienced & friendly team
Servicing all areas of the
Mornington Peninsula
Call Ben Clements for a free quote
0408735100
[email protected]
www.southernstylelandscapes.com.au
201 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill
Email: [email protected]
Services: Sundays @ 9.30am Wednesdays @ 9am
The Revd Fiona Goy 5981 8918
Peninsula Music Society
David Fickling 9789 8392
pmsmusic.asn.au
Sustainability Street – Red Hill
John Eldridge 0408 892 839
Virginia Richardson 0413 913 602
Probus Club of Red Hill Inc.
Meets Main Ridge Hall 4th Tuesday
Mem Secretary - Graham Mason 5972 0704
PAGE
8
HUMMINGBIRD WINS
BEST BITES AWARD
Hummingbird Eco Retreat in Red Hill
has won the Restaurant of the Year
award at the Mornington Peninsula
Shire's 2014 Best Bites Awards, a
program that recognises the most
outstanding local food businesses in
the areas of food safety, healthy eating,
sustainability and access for all.
Hummingbird top scored for its
excellence in nutrition and healthy
eating, tobacco and liquor compliance,
waste and recycling, energy and water
efficiency.
Presenting the awards in November,
Shire Mayor Councillor Bev Colomb
said award winners set a great example
within the local food industry by
ensuring that the community has
access to safe and healthy food.
John Carroll, ex Two Bouys in
Dromana, has been the chef at
Hummingbird for 21 months and is very
pleased with the award.
POINT NEPEAN MARKET
ON AGAIN IN JANUARY
Old Quarantine Station at Pt Nepean
Located in one of the State's most
picturesque settings, Point Nepean
near Portsea, is the setting for Craft
Market Australia’s mid January
market.
The market operates
between 9 am & 2 pm. Supervised
parking ($5) is available on Jarman
Oval. Soak in the exceptional
atmosphere and regenerate your
senses at this delightful market.
There is something for everyone from
old world to modern contemporary, a
labyrinth of unique treasures worth
discovering. A list of stall holders can
be found on the Craft Markets website
www.craftmarkets.com.au
Scott Davies, the owner of Hummingbird
Eco Retreat receiving the Best Bites
Award from the Mayor, Cr Bev Colomb.
“Composting and recycling is not that
common in the food industry and it is
nice to be recognised for something we
believe in and practice,” John said.
When it comes to nutrition John is
thankful to have access to the fresh
produce from the well-developed
Hummingbird garden.
“Because we have a good supply of
fresh vegetables I like to make dishes
with a little less meat and more
vegetables, and of course vegetarian
dishes are a speciality here too,” he
said.
Hummingbird is now open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner on Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays but it is
imperative to book because the
restaurant is sometimes fully booked
for in-house groups—telephone 5989
2504.
Sunny Ridge Strawberry
Season is in full swing!
$9 per adult (500g)
$4 per child, 4-12 years (250g)
Family $22 2Adults / 2Children
Nov-April Opening Hours 9-5pm
Upick closes 4.30pm
244 Shands Road, Main Ridge 3928
OP SHOP SCHEDULES
MOVE TO NEW PREMISES
The Red Hill Op Shop is gearing up to
move to its new premises in June 2015.
Delivering her annual report at the Op
Shop’s AGM in November, President,
Marion Trevellyan said the Op Shop
would move to its new home in the
former Uniting Church buildings in
Mechanics Road in June. Thanking local
businessman and benefactor, Grant
Booker for his generosity for purchasing
the church, the adjacent hall and land on
behalf of the Op Shop, Marion said:
“Our very sincere thanks to Grant and
his family, and to the local members of
the Uniting Church who actively
supported our cause and persuaded the
diocese of our worth, also the
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for
their ongoing assistance and support.
We have also had offers of financial
support to help with shelving in the new
Op Shop. Again, very grateful thanks to
these people, who wish to remain
anonymous”.
Marion also reported a substantial
growth in donations, customers and
sales, which has kept the volunteers
very busy, and is reflected in the amount
of money raised during the past year.
“As far as donations are concerned we
do sometimes feel like automatic sorting
machines,” she said. “I must
acknowledge the fantastic team who
work every Monday, unpacking, sorting,
distributing, washing and cleaning,
setting up displays and rearranging
clothing, books and bric-a-brac, to make
the shop irresistible to the public”.
The main beneficiaries of funds raised
by the Op Shop this year included
Peninsula Home Hospice, Blaze Aid and
the Rosebud Hospital.
Marion said the Op Shop now has over
80 members, the youngest 43 the oldest
91. “The Op Shop relies entirely on its
volunteers and each one, whatever their
role, keeps the organisation vibrant and
ticking. Those serving in the shop are
quite remarkable for their patience,
efficiency, and friendliness and even
though ten people may be vying for
attention, they stay calm,” she said.
She concluded her report by thanking
her team especially Kerri Egan who took
over the role of secretary last year and
did a great job organising the Christmas
raffle.
“I would also take this opportunity to
sincerely thank our present landlords the
May family; they have been unfailingly
generous and helpful, not to mention
tolerant,” Marion said.
Send all your used stamps to
Red Hill District Lions Club
PO Box 72 Red Hill Sth 3937
to support Children’s Mobility Projects
HILL
’N’
RIDGE
PAGE
9
From the Lions’ Den . . .
TUI WINS JUNIOR PUBLIC
SPEAKING AWARD
Tui (second from left) on stage with other contestants
and District Coordinator Colin Stevens.
Tui Dahlenberg-Geeves from Red Hill
Consolidated School was the winner of
the Lions
Junior Public Speaking
competition for the Lions District 201V3,
which extends from the Mornington
Peninsula to Bairnsdale.
In the last issue of the Hill ‘n’ Ridge, we
announced that Tui, who was sponsored
by the Red Hill District Lions Club, had
been successful in the zone final. The
next level, the district final was held at
the Lions Convention in Mornington at
the end of October. Tui was successful
in the Grades 3 & 4 section of the
competition.
Her speech on the delights of
Yackandandah as a holiday destination
was delivered with enthusiasm and
humour. The judges commented on her
improvement from the earlier sessions.
Red Hill District Lions and her school,
Red Hill Consolidated School, are very
proud of her achievements.
“ The students were very well prepared.
We are looking forward to participating in
the contest again next year and hope we
have many more contestants,” said
project coordinator Lyn Connor.
THANKYOU, YOUR SUPPORT
FOR THE BERRY STREET
CHRISTMAS APPEAL WAS
AMAZING
We were heartened by the generous
support of our community in providing
gifts and cash donations ]towards the
appeal for the Berry Street organisation .
Four large bags of gifts were delivered to
Berry Street headquarters in Richmond
at the beginning of December.
Thankyou to all who participated.
[email protected]
MEET THE LOCALS ...
Love Red Hill, Main Ridge and
surrounds? Never get to meet anyone
here, because we are all so busy and life
gets in the way? The Red Hill Lions are
planning several "Meet the Locals"
events to meet some locals in
person.
We will invite some local
businesses, shops, farms etc to come
along and tell us about themselves and
why they do what they do.
First event - Tues 17 Feb from 9.30 am
at The Gorgelicious Store, Mornington
Flinders Road, Red Hill
We’d love to see you there, no need to
book but put the date in your diary now
so you don’t forget!
PETANQUE AND BOWLS
CLUBS TO MERGE
The Red Hill Petanque Club formed
several years ago by the Red Hill
District Lions Club to provide sporting
and social activity within the community
will merge with the Main Ridge Bowls
Club. (See story page 5)
A project committee has been formed,
with Rob Connor from the Lions Club
as project chairman. W ith the
assistance of Red Hill District Lions,
Dromana Rotary and several
community volunteers the committee
will oversee the piste construction
which it is hoped will commence in
February.
THANK YOU BBQ
Have you featured in our newsletter in
the past 12 months?
Have you contributed an to article or
assisted us in some way?
Have you been a volunteer at the
activities of the Lions Club?
We’d like to say thankyou.
We are holding a BBQ and social
gathering on January 20th at the Main
Ridge Bowls Club to thank all our
supporters.
Festivities will commence at 6 pm
We need to know numbers so that we
can arrange catering, so please send
us an email
([email protected] )
or ring 59896498
to let us know of your attendance.
Recycle for Sight
Give the gift of sight
Recycle your old glasses and sunglasses.
Lions Recycle boxes are located at
Red Hill. Medical Centre
Thank you for your support so far
100s of pairs sent from Red Hill Lions Club
The spectacles are sorted, cleaned and regraded
before being labelled and prepared for dispatch in
graded groups to needy persons in developing
countries.
HILL
’N’
RIDGE
Members and guests enjoying last
year’s BBQ
WHY I JOINED LIONS . . .
I was new to the
area, run my own
business and wanted
to
meet
people
outside of work, and
to
do
something
with and for the
community.
Anyone can join Lions, and this club is laid
back and lots of fun. I have met lots of
people, help on projects when I can, and
have used my skills in technology to help
the club. Why not join me?
Contact me at
[email protected]
To find out more.
LIONS CAKES ADD CHEER TO
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
Rob Connor from Red Hill District Lions handing
over cakes to Alan Hawkins from Food For All
Red Hill District Lions donated 5 dozen Lions
Christmas cakes to Southern Peninsula
Food for All to distribute to needy families
on the peninsula.
Food for All is an all volunteer non-profit
organization which was formed in 1991 to
meet the need for emergency food relief
which emerged from Poverty Forums
conducted by the former Shire of Flinders.
While Food For All does receive support
from the churches, local business, service
organisations and schools it is the people of
the Southern Peninsula through their
donations of money and food that permits
Food For All to continue its work and to
grow.
Food For All is administered by a committee
of management consisting of members from
local churches, members of the St Vincent
de Paul Society and community groups. The
committee is ecumenically and community
based.
To further its work Southern Peninsula Food
for All Inc. needs donations of both food and
money. Cheques should be drawn in favour
of Southern Peninsula Food for All Inc. and
sent to PO Box 440, Rosebud, VIC 3939.
Donations of non-perishable goods can be
left in marked bins at Safeway Rosebud,
Safeway Rosebud West and Rye, Coles
Rosebud Plaza, Ritchies Dromana and most
churches.
Cans of soup, spaghetti, baked beans and
canned fruit are particularly welcome.
PAGE
10
History Corner
with Jill Phillips
LIVING TREASURES –
Keith and Shirley Holmes
If you want to know about Red Hill
history and personalities ask 86 year
old Keith Holmes. Allow plenty of time
for a chat!
The name Holmes is familiar to ‘locals’
with 77 Holmes listed in the Peninsula
White pages. However, you do need to
know to which side of the family they
are connected - “Little Jack’ or ‘Big
Jack .’( W J ) Great grandfather William
Alfred Holmes arrived in a covered
wagon from near Naracoorte, in 1900.
His brother James followed as village
settlement had commenced in 1893
including Red Hill.
Schooling
Keith was born in 1928. He attended
the Red Hill South School No. 4439
and gained the Merit Certificate. Keith
expressed regret that further education
was not possible. He describes himself
as ‘ a good talker but a rough thinker!”.
According to a former resident, Arthur
Lunt, Keith embraced technology and
was an asset using the computer in
processing and researching historical
records at Dromana.
Keith became an orchardist, mainly
apples after being encouraged by his
father ’Little Jack’ (John Henry
Montgomery) who had some land in the
Donaldsons Road area ... “if you pay
the 25 acres off, it’s yours’. He married
Shirley in 1950, raised three children
and has seen many changes. “Red Hill
was a backwater. I have seen it grow
from nothing to lifestyle living.”
Living Treasures
Keith has been married to Shirley
Holmes for 64 years and both are
“living treasures”.
Shirley has been the backstop on the
home front while Keith played an active
roles in local events and organizations.
His involvement started at 16 years
when he joined the Committee of the
Red Hill Hall Mechanics Road
50th AGM
When I rang Keith recently he was in a
hurry. His grand daughter Deanne was
calling to take him to chair the Annual
General Meeting of the Red Hill
Preschool for the 50th time. Keith is a
HILL
’N’
RIDGE
Life Member. The citation reads ‘Mr
Holmes began chairing the meetings in
1964 as the local councillor and has
maintained his interest in the preschool
ever since. His personable and cheery
manner is always appreciated and adds
to a sense of fun to the AGM’s.” Keith
described this job as the best job
ever ... as he ‘never had to interfere at
elections or daily matters.’ This
occasion was celebrated with a special
cake.
To quote Jodie Denman, the Director,
‘Keith’s
impromptu visits and
contribution to the pre-school where
his family had attended have been
enjoyed.”
Meanwhile, Shirley was helping at the
‘Op shop’ over the road where she too
has received a Life membership.
In addition, Keith has made a
wonderful contribution to many groups
and at various times has been –
Shire President 1971-4, Councillor for
12 years, Secretary of the Red Hill
CFA, Justice of the Peace for over 40
years, Member of Historical Societies –
Mornington and Flinders -Treasurer for
10 years, Life Member of the Dromana
& District Historical Society, a member
since its inception in 1987,
Life
Member of the Red Hill & District
Agricultural & Horticultural Society having started as a show steward , later
Secretary, then President for nine
years. (Keith was instrumental in
producing the history display boards
featured at the Show )
He was a Writer - contributed to A
History of the Show written with the late
Marjorie Cleine, another local identity.
(Shirley Holmes also contributed Red
Hill news to The Peninsula Post when
Marj was away)
The Bittern – Red Hill Railway 1921 –
1953. Keith has a passion for trains and
is a member of the Mornington Railway
preservation Society.
Keith says
‘I was no good at footy but I battled the
elements golfing at Flinders for 10
years.’
With all these activities, Keith found
time to enjoy ‘orienteering’ for 36 years
with the Bayside group.
Keith and Shirley Holmes retired to Mt
Martha in 2004.
Keith continues to undertake research.
He has been working on a submission
for George Blomfield of Red Hill who
ran a successful trucking business
locally and then interstate, to be
included in the Hall of Fame Transport
Museum in Alice Springs.
Advice to the younger generation
“Ask your family about their lives and
that of earlier generations.”
Keith wished he had asked his parents
and other locals more questions .
KEITH HOLMES CHAIRS
50TH KINDER AGM
Keith Holmes chairing the Preschool AGM
Keith with preschool staff Leah Powell
Jodie Denman and Deanne Holmes.
(Deanne is Keith’s granddaughter)
Keith with the celebration cake.
Local Business Owners
Need to get online but not sure how?
Workshops on Websites
Mobile Websites
Social Media
Local Business Marketing
and more...
For more info go to
www.jpetrillomarketing.com.au
PAGE
11
Local B
Need to get o
Works
NEW WATER TANK TO GIVE FASTER RESPONSE TO FIRES
A new 105,000 litre water tank adjacent to
the State Park in Arthurs Seat Road,
installed by Mornington Peninsula Shire
Council near the entrance to OT Dam, was
officially handed over for the use of the
Red Hill and Main Ridge Fire Brigades at a
small ceremony on Wednesday, Dec 10.
Officially called a ‘Strategic Water Tank’ it
is the first of nine such tanks that will be
installed on ridges and beside roads in the
Main Ridge-Red Hill district to assist with
fire-fighting. The tanks will vary between
50,000 - 100,000 litres, capable of
providing 20-40 fire tanker loads of water,
depending on truck size. The tanks are
considered necessary as there is no mains
water in the area which means that water
for fire-fighting has to be obtained from
dams and streams, most of which are in
the valleys - downhill from the road
network and difficult to access.
Speaking at the ceremony, in the presence
of fire trucks and firemen, both the Mayor,
Cr Bev Colomb, and Red Hill ward
councillor, Tim Wood, said that the tank
was part of the Shire’s integrated fire
management plan aimed at giving firemen
greater capacity and giving the community
more protection. Cr Wood emphasised the
urgent need for the installation of seven
more new tanks.
Planning for the installation of Strategic
Water Tanks began soon after the 2009
bushfires, drawing on the experience both
brigades had in fighting fires at Kinglake,
Buxton and Beaconsfield and assisted by
the findings of the 2009 Royal
Commission.
Don Mahoney from Main Ridge Brigade
and Sam Norris from Red Hill Brigade
have driven the project. After carrying out
assessments of fire risks in potentially
catastrophic zones the brigades came to
the view that one of the major obstacles to
response capability was the lack of easily
available water for tanker filling.
“Obtaining water from dams requires quite
a bit of set up time and while this might be
alright for longer duration fire fights we felt
the brigades needed to be optimized for
quick hard hits on fires for rapid
knockdown,” Main Ridge Captain, Ian
Troutbeck said. “Our two local brigades
have only three tankers and therefore
tanker filling ‘turn-around’ time is critical to
first response capability,” he added.
constructed a hardstand for fire truck filling.
The Council has also repaired the existing
25,000 litre tank in Pindara Road, Arthurs
Seat, and is proposing to modify its water
outlets to CFA standard. And now the
Council has constructed the 105,000 litre
tank on Arthurs Seat Road at the OT Dam
entrance.
The two Brigades are now seeking the
support of the Council to allocate a budget
for construction of four more strategically
located tanks in 2015, with priority for
completion of the tanks before the 2015-16
fire season. – RB.
With the large concrete tank in the background, from left: The drivers of the project, Sam Norris, Red Hill
and Don Mahoney, Main Ridge, with Cr Bev Colomb, Glenn Fleet, Graeme Flockart, Tim Wood and Rob Stephens.
It was agreed that strategically located
water tanks would substantially increase
the response capability and the Strategic
Water Tank project was first proposed at a
Municipal Fire Prevention Committee
meeting in 2010. Council approved the
project and provided initial funds in the
2011-12 budget year. Since that time the
Council has provided new fencing, and
substantially upgraded the size of the dam
at the Main Ridge Bowls Club and
Red Hill Pharmacy
Robert Nickels B.Pharm., MPS
Shop 7, Red Hill Village Shopping Centre
Red Hill– Shoreham Rd
Red Hill South 3937
Telephone 03 59892210
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