Merrijig Matters
Merrijig’s Monthly Newsletter
July 2015
Issue No. 27
Index
Quote of the month/Justices of the Peace................................. 2
Calendar..................................................................................... 3
A note from your editors............................................................. 4
Who’s Doing What Lately?.................................................... 4 - 6
What’s On............................................................................. 7 - 8
Fresh Water for Nepal............................................................... 8
Denim and Diamonds Fund Raiser............................................ 9
Merrijig Family Fun Day...................................................... 9 - 10
Plague Proportions of Deer..................................................... 10
Kangaroo pet food trial.............................................................. 11
Come and Try Day for Archery Club for Merrijig................ 11 - 12
A Word from the Shire........................................................ 12 - 13
Now for a Final Laugh............................................................. 13
Acknowledgements.................................................................. 14
Newsletter email address:If you have news to share via this media, please use this email address. [email protected] is
where you need to direct your articles, reports or promos for the upcoming activities of groups you belong to.
The deadline for the next month’s newsletter is the 25th of each month. If possible please keep your stories to
300 words and one or two photos.
Please remember to welcome your new neighbours via the community news and share a some pictures of
.
your most recent or exciting holiday adventure
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Quote of the month
*****
Back issues of the newsletters can be viewed on the web at
http://www.merrijig.com.au/html/local_news.html
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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.
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If you’re looking for a Justice
of the Peace,
Laurie Jacob, Buttercup Rd 0439 280 333
Catherine McNish, Sawmill Settlement 0429 482 309
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Merrijig Defibrillator is located at Merrijig Motor Inn
The procedure in case of an emergency where a person is possibly having a heart
attack is to dial Triple Zero. The call takers at Triple Zero have the location of the
Merrijig AED registered and will advise the caller of its location if that is the closest
unit to your location. If it is then the Merrijig Motor Inn should be contacted by phone.
The motor inn phone number is 5777 5702.
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July 2015
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
Thursday
2
Friday
Saturday
3
Rubbish
Craft Group
5
6
7
8
9
10
Rubbish &
Recycling
Craft Group
Muscle
Mob
Denim and
Diamonds
fundraiser Hospital Aux.
Campdraft
AGM
12
13
14
15
16
21
26
28
27
17
18
24
25
Rubbish
Craft Group
Muscle
Mob
19
20
Archery
Come
and Try
Day
11
22
23
Rubbish &
Recycling
Craft Group
Muscle
Mob
29
30
Rubbish
Craft Group
Muscle
Mob
3
31
A note from your editors:
Short is sweet
Due to some recent feedback that the newsletter is becoming too long Adele and I have formulated
the following outline:
The Merrijig Community Newsletter welcomes all your news of events and family occasions and we
will include one or two photos when supplied and which are of good quality and a maximum of 300
words outlining the story. Please keep sending your news to us throughout the month.
So we can properly prepare the stories please note the deadline of the 25th day of each month.
Items of interest occurring and being reported on after this date will be included if at all possible.
We thank you sincerely for your contributions to date and for your co-operation involving the above
changes which will benefit all our readers plus those involved in preparing the newsletter. Without
your input the Merrijig Community Newsletter would not be as lively and informative as it is.
Many thanks from Louise and Adele
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Who’s doing what lately?
Twins for the Jacob family
Laurie and Louise Jacob of Buttercup Rd are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their twin
grand daughters, Evie Maree and Annie Grace on Monday, June 15.
Evie and Annie make a family of four children for Christopher and Amy Jacob, who live in Barwite.
They are little sisters for Molly, aged three and Jack, aged two.
Evie, who weighed 6.5 lbs, is five minutes older than Annie, who weighed 5.5 lbs. They were born at
St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Melbourne. All are well and settling in to a busy family life. Christopher
is a physiotherapist in Mansfield and Amy, previously a primary school teacher at St Mary’s Primary
School, is well used to having lots of children around her.
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Pictured last week are the newly expanded Jacob family. From left Chris, two year old Jack nursing Annie, and
three year old Molly nursing Evie and Amy. Photo Louise Jacob
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Former Motorbike Club President on holidays with his family
Scott Parks who was the bike club president for seven
years while his kids were little is now stunted by those ever
growing sons who began riding at Merrijig when they were
about four year olds.
Following the Parks family adventure on Facebook has
been wonderful, they have been to Disneyland, most of the
Famous national Parks, San Francisco and Alcatraz, The
Grand Canyon and even drove route 66.
Meeting some of the locals was yet another highlight.
Scott and Jane are still enjoying their family adventure in
the heat while we put another log on the fire.
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Adele’s short trip
Annually your editor treks across the mountains to Merimbula
Jazz Festival - this year was no exception heading off with her
companion from Hawaii she crossed the Monaro High Plains
right up the top of the Great Dividing Range. Quite spectacular
to be amongst it!
Juri on the cornet, sometimes called ‘The Bouncing Check’,
would often come to the Hunt Club Hotel at Merrijig with Pat
Thompson in “Madam and her Ragtime Jazz Band”.
Even on a dull day Norah Heads lighthouse was beautiful.
For those who remember him, he lives in Sydney and is writing and arranging music. Pat died a few
years ago aged 88 and David who bounced as he played the piano has moved to France.
John Darby, who came from NSW to volunteer to man the gate on Merrijig Family Fun Day showed
Adele around his part of the country including an interesting roadhouse ‘Jimmy's Kitchen in Kulnara’
with great signs and novelties.
Only 10 days away but Adele’s grandchildren Ailish, nine and Erin, six were delighted when she
showed up for dinner. It seems they miss her when they know she is not on the farm.
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Lost Merrijig Pony found again
Catie & Duncan Mars were as upset as their children when their
much loved Welsh Mountain Pony had disappeared from its
paddock.
Friends on Facebook circulated pictures and happily the next
day Catie was pleased to post “Pony found! Thanks all!!! So
much support out here! Blown away by people's generosity!! Xx
Welcome to Merrijig Catie, it’s how we country people roll.
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What’s On?
Merrijig Campdraft AGM
President, Geoff Webb wishes to announce the 2015 AGM is
to be held at the Merrijig Hall at 7 pm on July 7.
Anyone into Campdraft is welcome to attend and hear the
reports on the progress of this relatively new club. Each year the competitors, who come from far
and wide, praise the Merrijig Campdraft weekend and the committee are looking forward to more
successful events.
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Merrijig Football and Netball Club - It’s NOT what it seems
Bryan Horskins, owner of Barwite Winery, has been working with a group of friends creating a social
club in Merrijig. Bryan said “There is a large group of patrons at the Hunt Club Hotel who are keen to
start a fund raising group social club called the "Merrijig Football and Netball Club".
“This group could also be a local business networking group that would interact socially and regularly
at the Hunt Club Hotel.” He went on to explain. Dave Lovick was in the trivia team which won jumpers
(the " James Boag" promotional jumper) with "JB" on the front it now stands for "Jig Boys" Dave
proudly announced. “Our first fund raiser function” Bryan said, “will be a dinner and musical event.
We will have two community groups to raise funds for - Merrijig Primary School and Merrijig CFA.”
Bryan Horskins is a Merrijigger, owner of Oberon Farm, in Gonzaga Lane and co-owner of Barwite
Vineyards Ptd Ltd in Long Lane, Barwite. The vineyard was established in 1997 with 160 acres of
vines. He has a history in the winery industry and has been chairman of the Upper Goulburn
Winegrowers’ Association since 2009 and is the regional representative to Wine Victoria.
To date Bryan said there are some 40 interested members; annual membership is envisaged to be
$50. The plan is to have two major functions per year. The first event is planned for a couple of
months’ time hopefully at the Merrijig Public Hall for the event.
Bryan’s friends, Michael Sheahan, Wayne Richardson, Mark McClure and Mick Irwin are keen to
attend Merrijig to play golf at Mansfield Golf Club and are happy to do a sports panel for some
additional entertainment at the first event.
There are numerous locals and the Pub management right behind this plan, so contact Bryan
Horskins on [email protected] or simply ask Rosemary or Kevin at the pub if this
grabs you too.
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FREE EVENT – during school holidays
Next week (July 5-12) is NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and
Islanders Day Observance Committee’. During NAIDOC Week activities are held across Australia to
celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year in Mansfield NAIDOC Week is particularly significant as it will mark the raising of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander flags at the entrance to town.
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Official proceedings begin on Monday, July 6, at
11am outside the Mansfield Visitors’ Information
Centre.
The local indigenous network is installing
flagpoles at the entrance to Mansfield for the
Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Australian flags.
There will be a flag raising ceremony with the
Attorney General officiating proceedings.
Activities on the day will include;
•
witness the raising of the flags
•
tree planning
•
arts and cultural activities
•
having a yarn around the fire
•
great food
•
live music
Mansfield Shire Community Development
Officer, Keira McDonagh, suggested this as an
event which could interest people who read the
newsletter.
It looks like it would be a fun activity for the
school holidays as well as an interesting
ceremony.
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Fresh water for Nepal
The project is working well but due to the devastation of the whole area, word is very slow to come
through. Colin Stewart did inform the editor that he has been waiting for photographs from the
isolated regions where the pumps have been allocated, but acknowledges that sending photographs
is probably not a high priority for those working on the ground.
For further details about this project including contact details please refer to the June issue of the
newsletter on the Merrijig community website which can be found at www.merrijig.com.au .
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Hospital fundraiser
There are several Merrijig ladies on the Mansfield District Hospital Auxiliary and they are working on
their next fundraiser which is detailed below in
the poster. Check out the menu.
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The date chosen for next year’s event is Saturday, March 19. Mark this on next year’s calendar now
so you don’t double book yourself.
The first fun day was a huge success according to the feedback so it’s onward and upward for this
event. Already ideas have been coming in for new novelties and activities for the day, eg a dipping
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set up to throw a ball at a target so someone gets a dipping in a barrel of water. A look-alike contest
for dogs and their owners - what fun.
The committee learned a lot from running the first event so it will be much better next time as all
areas of concern will be addressed. Most of the committee is happy to continue in their roles, but
Adele is stepping down as Secretary at the AGM. Kerry Moggach is prepared to step in as President
if elected. Both Frank and Adele were prepared to give their time and effort to the first year to help get
the event off the ground, but are equally willing to leave the driving work to younger members of the
community with fresh ideas and energy to carry it into the future. Both Frank and Adele want to
remain on the committee because it’s a good and happy team of people doing something wonderful
for the community.
At the last formal meeting, a debriefing, the aims and purposes were slightly altered to read as
follows.
To provide a family oriented event with strong community participation to allow
community groups and local organisations to promote their interests
for the overall benefit of the community
Keep an eye out for the date of the AGM and come along and join the committee which will make a
difference to the community you live in for decades to come.
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Plague proportions of Deer
No one seemed to be concerned about deer when they first showed up in the mountains around
Merrijig. They have made themselves quite at home living in our high country. There are so many
now that people who live close to the mountains have their gardens eaten almost every night.
Judy Kirkham commented when chatting about the increased number of kangaroos, "Just wait for the
deer - they are worse than the roos. My garden has been stripped!!!!!!!!! Only plants left are the
azaleas, rhodendrons and camellias - oh and daisies!!!!!!!!!"
Steve Garlick, Victorian president of the Australian Deer Association, (taken from article in the Age in Dec
ember 2012) said ''deer hunters are actually out there doing a job for the government in terms of
managing deer'' across Victoria.
Mr Garlick called for a comprehensive ''management strategy'' for deer that would see greater use of
hunters to control deer numbers in certain areas, under strict conditions.
Tony Froude, mentioned that on returning from holidays their garden was decimated. They are also
eating the grass which farmers feed to their cows following calving. A rested paddock is something of
the past now with huge mobs of kangaroo and deer getting in first. This of course makes the cost of
growing beef much dearer because farmers need to feed out hay daily. Only a few years ago they
could save them fresh green grass.
Recently a group of landowners arranged for a professional roo shooter, who supplies the pet food
industry, to come and clear some of them out on these adjoining properties - it is now as if no one
has done a thing. They are of course very mobile and have no respect for boundary fences. DEPI
acknowledges there is an issue as can be seen by reading the information below plus more
information to be found at http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/wildlife/wildlifemanagement/kangaroo-trial
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Kangaroo Pet Food Trial
The Victorian Government has started a trial to allow the use of kangaroo meat resulting from authorised wildlife
control activities to be processed for pet food.
While kangaroos are a protected species in Victoria, there are instances where they impact on agricultural
assets by competing with livestock for pasture. This can cause landholders to suffer financial loss.
DEPI issues Authorities to Control Wildlife (ATCWs) for the control of kangaroos where they are damaging pasture,
crops or other property.
The long term effect of this wildlife over population will affect the country's economy, which is
recognised by DEPI. If primary producers costs of raising their product increases, by needing to feed
out hay v fresh grass, then their income decreases, so pay less in tax which in turn is costing the
nation to feed kangaroo and deer. Deer is a feral animal, not native to Australia, but like the rabbit
has certainly made itself at home.
It's not just farmers who are affected, with motorists driving at night being at risk of colliding with deer
and kangaroos on the roads.
If you also have serious concerns here is how you can get in touch with the department.
http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us
To alter the laws though, the state government needs to be alerted to the problems experienced here.
Our local representative, Cindy McLeish. whose email address is
[email protected] who will direct your concerns to the appropriate minister. The
Minister for Agriculture can be contacted via email on [email protected].
One suggestion is a bounty on ‘roos and deer, like there is on foxes periodically; this could be a
means of control and maybe the easiest way to curb this problem.
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Last month the newsletter raised a question How about an archery club in Merrijig?
Well, you are invited to join a 'Come and Try Day' on
Sunday, July 19.
It seems there is enough interest to organise a 'come and try day'.
After posting the question on Facebook some 80+ people showed
interest in such an idea.
Archery Victoria is rather pleased about a club in the High Country.
One of the ladies on the start up committee is liaising with them to
see if they can help with advice and perhaps a demonstration and
instruction.
Cost of membership - (taken from Archery Victoria Website)
Archery is one of the lowest fee sports.
Archery Australia membership fee:
$85 annually ($1.63 per week) for full adult membership. Youth $55 annually ($1.06 per week )and
family discounts apply.
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Archery Victoria membership fee: $30 annually ($0.58 per week). Youth $20 annually ($0.38 per
week)
Club Membership fee – this is yet to be calculated
There are rules and regulations of course about belonging to
Archery Victoria, the benefits are membership of this group
brings affordable insurance cover for club members, there are
coaches in the association and there are contest members can
participate in if they choose to.
So Merrijig people this is another exciting activity in your own
backyard.
A start-up committee, of three men and six women have elected
to have the 'come and try day' on Sunday, July 19th.
Following visitors having had a bit of a play with bows and arrows
at the targets, they can choose whether or not this is for them by
signing up as a member or not.
Bennett Toy who is on the start-up Committee came out for a test run.
Normally arrows don't go so far through the target, this was just for fun.
There are of course many things to do and plans for the actual committee, when elected, to decide
on, but one step at a time, with 'come and try day' being step one.
It is not an expensive hobby as hobbies go but the initial outlay can be high depending on what sort
of bow and what short of arrows are chosen.
'Come and try day' will start at 8.30 am for those with their own equipment to be safety checked while
others register before the introduction address on safety practises. Team leaders will divide the
archers taking their team to a particular target area.
There will be a break for lunch around mid-day. Sausages in bread and buckets of chips will help
cover the costs of the come and try day. Bottled water given free of charge. After lunch break teams
can return with their leaders for a final shoot before heading home mid-afternoon.
Members on the start-up committee are very excited about this new beginning and
find McCormack Park ideal for a home ground.
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Mayor Cr Marg Attley - Your local representative
on Mansfield Shire Council. Available to be contacted
on: 5776 2231 or [email protected]
A WORD FROM THE SHIRE
Black Spot Phone Service
The pleasure cannot be hidden by the writer of the announcement on the Community Noticeboard
page https://www.facebook.com/groups/community.development.mansfield/ last week.
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“Four years of advocacy has paid off! Over the next three years there will be significant
improvements to mobile phone reception when Telstra build new base stations at Ancona, Enochs
Point, Goughs Bay, Howqua Inlet, Sawmill Settlement, Tolmie and Woods Point.”
The writer went on to say “This has been our major advocacy effort for Federal funding over recent
years, and we're excited!”
Giving credit where credit is due, “Of course we were thrilled to have the support of Telstra 24x7,
Cathy McGowan for Indi and the Indi Telecommunications Advocacy Group in our quest for better
phone coverage for our beautiful shire.”
Everyone in Sawmill, Changue Rd area will be just as excited.
The total to be invested in new base stations under Round 1 of the programme is $385 million. The
State Government has agreed to partner with the Australian Government to co-fund base stations in
their jurisdictions. A number of local governments, businesses and community organisations have
also agreed to co-funding arrangements with the successful applicants.
In addition to the Commonwealth and State Government funding commitments, the programme has
leveraged significant private sector investment – Telstra will spend $165 million and Vodafone $20
million. The first base stations funded under the programme will be rolled out before the end of 2015.
Funding information can be extracted from the link below if you would like more information https://
www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spotprogramme
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A doctor on his morning walk, noticed the old lady
pictured (above).
She was sitting on her front step smoking a cigar, so
he walked up to her and said, “I couldn’t help but
notice how happy you look! What is your secret?”
She said “I smoke ten cigars a day, and before I go
to bed, I smoke a joint. I also drink a fifth of Jack
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Daniels every week, and eat only junk food. On
weekends, I pop pills, but I never do that exercise
stuff.
“That is absolutely amazing! How old are you?”
“Forty two,” she replied .
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Bye for now Adele
Adele McCormack
45 McCormacks Rd
Merrijig 3723
Ph: 03 5777 5637 Mobile: 0409 600 655
This Merrijig Community Newsletter is compiled by Adele McCormack of Merrijig and edited and
published on this website by Louise Jacob also of Merrijig, as a community service.
The newsletter is an outcome of the Merrijig Community Plan initiated by the
Shire of Mansfield Council.
Every care has been taken in gathering and presenting the information on this site.
Inquiries can be directed to: [email protected]
The site is designed and sponsored by Merrijig resident, Steve Thompson of Appaloosa Films
www.appaloosafilms.tv
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