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King Valley COMMUNITY PROFILE
Update |
31 October 2002
VALE ... Adele Tyler
Adele Tyler, a tireless community worker in the Upper King Valley, passed away on October 17. Unfortunately, she may well be best remembered for her sharp tongue and abrasive nature. However, we must also remember her for her work in establishing the Whitfield Picnic Park with its gardens, public toilets, unique rotunda, and replica of the Whitfield Railway Passenger Shelter. Over the years, Adele fought the good fight with the authorities for the improvement of our local infrastructure. Some of her more important work was in the ante-natal care area and the establishment of Meals-On-Wheels throughout the King Valley. A memorial service was held at her home on 25th October and her ashes were scattered amongst the native plants she loved and nurtured. The locals who attended learned a lot about Adele from her family, friends and neighbours, coming away better appreciating Adele's contributions to everyday life in The King Valley. After so many years of community service, it was disappointing to find no representation of the Rural City of Wangaratta at her memorial service. |
King Valley United Red Cross
Helen Bird advises that the next meeting - the last for the year - will be held on Wednesday, 6th November at 1.30 pm. The venue is St. John's Retirement Village, Wilson Road, Wangaratta. Please bring a plate. If you are a past member, please come along and enjoy the company of our elders now living at St. Johns. |
 The King Valley Co-Operative ... the way into the future?
If all of the farmers combined their buying power, each farm would be more profitable. If all of the cottage industries got together, they could develop a Gourmet Distribution system or a Farmers Market and each producer would benefit. If the B&B operators co-operated in producing a group brochure to market their services, there would be more tourists spending money in the King Valley. If the boutique wine makers were members, they could establish a Wine Club to market their produce. This is the work of a Co-Operative!
Under The Co-operatives Act 1996, a cooperative is a community based "legal entity" owned by shareholders. The objects of this Act are to- enable the formation, registration and operation of co-operatives; and promote co-operative philosophy, principles, practices and objectives; and protect the interests of co-operatives, their members and the public in the operations and activities of co-operatives; and ensure that the directors of co-operatives are accountable for their actions and decisions to the members of co-operatives; and encourage and facilitate self-management by co-operatives at all levels; and encourage the development, integration and strengthening of co-operatives at local, regional, national and international levels by supporting and fostering State and National peak organisations and co-operative instrumentalities.
Co-operative structure fits between that of Incorporated Associations and that of Companies. The primary purpose of a co-operative is not profit making for shareholders, rather it is the pooling of resources to allow members to be individually more profitable. Shareholding is limited to a maximum of 20% and the co-operative is managed by a Board of Directors drawn from its members.
An economic Co-operative in the King Valley would improve the profitability of all shareholders and boost the local economy by creating bulk buying power, co-ordinated distribution of products, sharing of resources, manpower and skills in agriculture, horticulture, cottage industry and tourism. Two successful local co-operatives are the North East Telecentre and the North East Flower Growers Co-operatives.
Everything you need to know about Co-operatives can be found at Consumer Affairs Victoria. In particular, take a look at the Guide to Forming and Running a Co-operative. (PDF File). Talk to others about it. If you think it is worth investigating, please let us know and we will get a public meeting happening. |
Free Computers for Community Organisations ... and Families
If your Community group could use a computer for Record Keeping, Basic Accounting, Internet Access and Wordprocessing, the North East Computerbank volunteer group (AKA kvLUG) can provide one free of charge. We may even have a printer for you too. Enquire here.
The Computerbank has about eight Mac Classics to give away. Whilst they are not Internet capable, they have wordprocessing software and heaps of games on them and would suit creative writers looking for a computer to write that best selling novel (or your life story). They would also be a great Christmas bonus to families who cannot afford a computer for the kids. If you know anyone who could use one of these machines, please let us know. |
 Australia Day Celebrations
This year, there were no celebrations of Australia Day in the Upper King Valley. Some months back, Adele Tyler - realising she would not be around next year - asked that we do something for the coming year. This is a call to local organisations (Upper King Valley Action Association; Cheshunt Hall Committee; etc) to organise something. If you have any ideas, pass them on here. |
The Icons of The King Valley
If the request for a list of public and cultural artworks by the Rural City of Wangaratta had been, "What are the Icons that are unique to The King Valley", we could draw up quite a list. Consider the following:The Whitfield Rotunda ... now there is a one off.The Whitfield Railway Shed is the last of it's kind in VictoriaThe Whitfield Railway Siding signs from Wangaratta to Whitfield.The Mile Posts along the King Valley Road are probably the last in the state."Caution, Yowies Cross Here At Night" and the Shire of Oxley signs on the Edi Back Road.
... and that's without the natural attractions like Powers Lookout, etc. Please
nominate the ones you know of and we will draw up a list of those things that define The King Valley. |
Promote your Business or Community Group on the King Valley Portal
The portal has moved to
http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/users/portal/ as information on the old site can no longer be updated. Please bookmark this new address now.
If you have a web page, it can be linked free of charge in the cascading menu of
the portal. If you would like a web page, but don't know where to start, call Greg Naylor.
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King Valley COMMUNITY PROFILE
Update |
 14 November 2002
Put this one in your diary ... Thursday 5th December at the Swinburne Pavillion. Tom Hafey, Ex-AFL coach, will be the Guest Speaker at a free Men's Health night sponsored by Ovens & King Community Health Service. A similar night with Simon Madden was held a few months ago at Moyhu and it was a great success.
Free Health Assessments will also be performed by the Wangaratta District Base Hospital's Men's Health Pit Stop Crew". Supper and refreshments will be provided
Further information is available from David Kidd on 5722 2355 |
North East Computerbank and St. Vincent de Paul join forces.
The computer recycling program continues to grow with The Wangaratta St Vincent de Paul shop now collecting computer equipment for the Computerbank. This has given the group another outlet for distributing systems to those who would not otherwise have access to a computer. It seems that the Mac Classics in stock will all end up under Christmas trees. If you have spare computer equipment that you would like to see recycled, email us today |
Search for Kath Bergamin becomes a Murder Investigation
 Acting on information supplied to police, a line search was conducted last Friday covering the last 3.5 kilometres of Christophers Track, Cheshunt South. At 9.00 am, a massive turnout including the SES; the CFA; NRE; police air wing; the dog squad; search and rescue; the homicide squad; the mounted police and the catering section assembled at the Whitfield Picnic Park. It was going to be a long day.
After a briefing from the Homicidse Squad in the Rotunda, the convoy moved out to assemble in the State forest south of Cheshunt. As everyone geared up, the dog squad returned after being out for about four hours. Satelite communications were established and the search parties moved out to the very end of Christopher's Track. The mission was to search about 100 metres either side of the track over a 3.5 kilometre distance. The troops spread out and marched their way back towards the base camp. They did not veer off course - they went through blackberries and swamps - they checked hollow logs and tree forks - searching all the way. They were supported by the mounted police and the helicopter.
About a kilometre into the trek, there was the unmistakeable stench of a decaying carcase coming downwind. Everybody's heartbeat quickened with the dreaded thought of finding what they were looking for, the remains of Kath Bergamin. The search intensified until the source of the odour was found. It was not Kath ... it was the remains of a dingo or a wallaby. There were mixed emotions of relief and frustration with the realisation of the reality of the situation if her body was found. After a hearty lunch, the search continued with the target area completely covered by late afternoon. Nothing of significance was discovered. No doubt, the NRE Dog Man, David Klippel, will be keeping a keen eye out as he works his way through the wilderness.
Woman Missing Border Mail - 29 Aug 2002
Missing woman treated as murder by David Byrnes - Border Mail - 21 Oct 2002
New leads in murder case by David Byrnes - Border Mail - 04 Nov 2002
Search begins for mum's body by Mark Butler - Herald Sun - 8 Nov 2002
Police search for missing woman, believed murdered by Liz Gooch - The Age - 8 Nov 2002
Searching for a body by Jacki Schwind - The Chronicle - 8 Nov 2002
Vital links to murder found by Kristi Grant - Border Mail - 09 Nov 2002
Hunt for murder victim to continue - Border Mail - 11 Nov 2002
River Search by Jacki Schwind - The Chronicle - 13 Nov 2002 |
Moyhu - the only children's playground in the King Valley
The Moyhu Lions Club have dismantled the playground equipment at Lions Park to make way for the 'State-of-the-Art' system to be installed as the centrepiece of the Rural City of Wangaratta's Playground Updating Program. The Lions Club have donated their labour which has allowed for the purchase of more equipment.
The Council's playground update program is to bring all playgrounds up to current Australian Standards. That is good ... but what about the old equipment that already did meet the standards? The Moyhu monkey bars themselves met the standards but the location did not. Equipment like this should be relocated to Whitfield, Cheshunt or other locations in the Valley where they can be utilised. Let's hope they don't go to the tip. |
Fire Restrictions
Now in Force | Food Handling Certification starts 1st January 2003
Food Handling Certification finally comes into effect on 1st January 2003. All community groups and businesses that handle food need to look at this issue now.
On Thursday, 5th December, Ross Cairns of the Rural City of Wangaratta will hold an information night at the Moyhu Primary School commencing at 7.30 pm. Those interested in attending should contact Kevin Newton on 57-379 363.
PLEASE NOTE: This is the same night that Tom Hafey will be appearing at the Free Men's Health Night in Whitfield. |
 Power Pals program gets equipment donation
David Burder of Whitlands Engineering has manufactured and donated forty leg weights used as in the diagram. Helen Bird has also been busy making new wrap arounds to hold the weights. The Power Pals group appreciate this generosity
This program, sponsored by Ovens and King Community Health Services is a weight training program for older people. Those already participating are already reaping the rewards of increased mobility and well being. The program is open to everyone over 40 and is held at The Whitfield Health Centre every Monday at 11.00 am. |
The Hay has been Harvested
It's good to see that the grass has been cut at the Edi Camping ground. With a lot of snakes around in this dry weather, campers will feel much safer with short grass. Let's hope it gets another cut before the Christmas holiday season. Follow Up |
Jessie's Creek Update
The King Basin Landcare Group will hold a General Meeting at the Whitfield RSL Hall on Monday 18th November at 8.00 pm. The Whitfield School's MAD project on Jessie's Creek will be discussed. Come along and support your local school and Landcare Group. A light supper will be provided. |
Promote your Business or Community Group on the King Valley Portal
The portal has moved to
http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/users/portal/ as information on the old site can no longer be updated. Please bookmark this new address now.
If you have a web page, it can be linked free of charge in the cascading menu of
the portal. If you would like a web page, but don't know where to start, call Greg Naylor.
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King Valley COMMUNITY PROFILE
Update |
 15 November 2002 The future of our waste transfer stations is in question
At the October meeting of the Rural City of Wangaratta Council, a recommendation (Item 9.2.4.4 on agenda) was accepted, "That Council investigate an extension of the policy of full cost recovery for kerbside waste services to transfer stations and all other waste services". This includes a review of transfer station operations and an annual transfer waste disposal charge for properties not receiving kerbside service which will be submitted to Council's December 2002 meeting.
That means the current charge of $18/cubic metre will blow out to $45/cubic metre (Page 11) to dispose of silage wrap, treated pine posts, fencing wire, etc. You didn't pay that much for it when you bought it! At that price, many farmers will be tempted to bury or burn these waste products on their property ... and that would be contrary to environmental responsibility.
We have a council that does not listen to its ratepayers. In the Council briefing paper on Item 9.2.4.4, "Implemenrtation and Impact of Introduction of New Waste Service", we find that the rural objections to the scheme represent 30% of new rural services and 10% of all rural services.
A three part amendment, moved by Councillor K Chambers and seconded by Councillor K Klimm tried to address these objections but the amendment was rejected. The original motion, ignoring ratepayer objections, was carried on a vote of 6 to 2. (Cr Chambers and Cr Parisotto voting against the motion).
For years, we have had a council that typically votes, at the best, 5:3 against rural issues - and it is the same people voting each way all the time. Until we get a Council that respects the will of the rural community, we must continue to fight for our democratic entitlements under Local Government jurisdiction. If these issues concern you, come along to the December Council meeting and voice your concerns. Follow Up |
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Instant Erection for Phone Tower
A week after being delivered in pieces, the new CDMA mobile phone tower now looks up the King Valley. Whilst it only took a week to erect, the Chronicle advises that it will not go into service until next March. This 60 metre tripod tower is nowhere near as intrusive as many of us may have thought. |
Whitfield, a year ago
This time last year, Whitfield was ablaze with colour for the Festival Weekend. The schools had grown out seedlings donated by Meadow Creek Nursery, the "Feathers" fluttered in celebration and the street was lined with trees in wine barrels which were sponsored by members of the community. Adele spat the dummy over the annual flowers planted in the picnic park and we enjoyed a happy looking main street over the next few months.
When the heat of summer arrived, the trees were relocated to ensure they survived through the hottest part of the year. We haven't seen them again! Did they survive? With the holiday period just around the corner, they should be brought back to beautify the Whitfield Township and to help encourage tourism. |
Lions Park Playground installed in a day
The Lions Club were out in force on Sunday erecting a state of the art childrens playground at Lions Park. The old equipment has been taken to the football ground which indicates that it is not going to the tip. Let's hope it gets relocated to one of the smaller villages in The King Valley where it could be well utilised |
Another recycled computer finds a new home
Lorraine Williams of Moyhu has just received a recycled computer from the North East Computer Bank. Lorraine is keen to follow up her recent training with some word processing and Internet access. She is also keen to digitally transcribe the family photos and add some to her mothers auto-biography. The Computer Bank also received the first shipment of equipment from St Vincent de Paul's in Wangaratta consisting of a computer and a few spare monitors. |
 Recent Changes to The King Valley Portal
The "King Valley Learning Exchange" link has been removed at the request of the new Committee of Management as they do not wish to be associated with the portal. The link under "Employment and Training" has been redirected to The Centre
Links have been added to services such as the weather, train timetables and newspapers under "Community Structure > Local Community. Enjoy.
The "Community Calendar" has returned to the Portal. For six months, it was replaced by the calendar on the back of the Grapevine ... but as that no longer exists, it is back in a bigger and brighter form. It has been placed in an inline frame on the home page of the portal - just scroll down past the local phone book to find it.
The Community Calendar and Bulletin Board feature allows you to email events for inclusion. Contributions can either be upcoming events or public announcements of any kind. |
Promote your Business or Community Group on the King Valley Portal
The portal has moved to
http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/users/portal/ as information on the old site can no longer be updated. Please bookmark this new address now.
If you have a web page, it can be linked free of charge in the cascading menu of
the portal. If you would like a web page, but don't know where to start, call Greg Naylor.
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King Valley COMMUNITY PROFILE Update |
Last Modified 28 November 2002
The future of recreational angling in the King River
We are advised that NRE are currently undertaking a new evaluation of the King River with the probable outcome that it will be stocked with Trout for the next 10 years. Our thanks go to all those who listened to the angling community on this issue.
The "King River & District Fishing Team" has been approached to make a stocking submission for the 2003-2004 season. These submissions will be evaluated next February. One of the options being considered is the stocking of Lake William Hovell with Murray Cod to help bring more angling tourists to the Valley.
As soon as the submission is prepared, a community meeting will be called to fine tune it. Phone Wayne Batten on 57-276-251 or send an email to have your say. |
Warawee Orchard Tearooms due to reopen
Anne Arnoldussen advises that, due to circumstances beyond her control, the tearooms have not been open yet this season. However, it is a short term glitch and those fantastic cakes that she is famous for will soon be back on the menu for the summer tourist season. |
North East Computer Bank gets a new home base
With access to the KVLE computers and the Internet denied to the group, the computer recycling program has outgrown Federatioon Hall in Lions Park and has moved to the Moyhu Youth Club Hall.
The group will build a network of i386 and Macintosh machines where community members can try out exciting alternatives to Windows such as Linux and Freedos. The new facility will be open to the public on Friday nights when the Linux Users Group meet. If you would like to know more about Open Source Software, come along. We will also have an 'Open Learning' training room where you can learn what you need to know from the experts plus an area where we can rebuild a machine or help you out with an upgrade or repair to your own equipment.
The Men-In-Sheds program will continue at the warehouse / workshop at Caringbush Farm every Wednesday afternoon. You are invited to join the blokes if you would like to learn a bit about the mechanical side of computers - or just drop in for a chat if you like. Phone Greg Naylor on 57-298-081 to make sure we are there. |
Whitfield General Store ... a lesson in recycling
As Ern and Caroline refurbish the store, they make some fascinating discoveries - some good - others not so good. It seems that our forebears knew more about recycling that we give them credit for. One of the rooms had been lined with timber from packing cases, puttied up and painted. When they were removed, the reverse side showed the stensilled brands of the packing cases. So that you can appreciate them, Ern and Caroline have used them as part of the lining in the renovations. That's second generation recycling. |
The Adopt-a-Tree Program
The Manchurian Pear trees, funded by residents and businesses, that lined the Whitfield main street last summer are alive and well and they are being cared for by two Whitfield families. It is believed that until an irrigation system can be devised for them, it would be unwise to risk them in the main street until this drought period is over. We look forward to their appearance in the spring of 2003. |
District Power Cuts ... The Chronicle, Monday 25/11/02
The news item read, ... "Two short interruptions to power supply occurred yesterday at 2.25pm and 8.28pm. Lasting some three seconds, the afternoon interruption affected Wangaratta to Rutherglen while the night interruption affected Wangaratta to Wilby".
Maybe we should let The Chronicle know when the Upper King Valley goes a full day WITHOUT such power interruptions as TXU continue to do nothing about it. |
No burnoffs allowed
without a permit | Real Life Help Desk Calls ...contributed by A.Arnoldussen
From British Rail Help Desk
Customer: "I've been ringing 0700 2300 for two days and can't get through
to enquiries, can you help?".
Operator: "Where did you get that number from, sir?".
Customer: "It was on the door to the Travel Centre".
Operator: "Sir, they are our opening hours".
Customer: "How much does it cost to Bath on the train?"
Operator: "If you can get your feet in the sink, then it's free".
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Recent Additions to The King Valley Portal Click Logo to visit » »
Added The History of The Myrrhee Run to the History & Culture > White Settlement section of the index. It is a great read ... take a look.
Added Mrs Forge's Homestead - an Aweful Experience to the History & Culture > White Settlement section of the index. It deals with the Myrrhee bushfires of 1901.
Added The Moyhu Caravan Park Webpage to the Accommodation > Caravan Parks section of the index.
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Promote your Business / Community Group on the King Valley Tourist Route Portal
The Community Profile Update comes from the "The King Valley Portal" at
http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/users/portal/ Please bookmark this address now and visit it often.
If you have a web page, it can be linked free of charge in the cascading menu of
the portal. If you would like a web page, but don't know where to start, call Greg Naylor.
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The prefabricated sections of the tower have arrived at the King Valley Telephone Exchange, each the size of a semi trailer load. Like a meccano set, it will be bolted together and erected to form a 60 metre tall structure to provide us with a CDMA mobile phone service. It is rather ironic that construction has begun just two weeks after the death of Adele Tyler, one of the organisers of the protest against the location of the tower.
Computer Courses at Edi Upper School