Issue 122 What's on in Wycheproof

BreakThrough: Ice education for families provides the facts, strategies and information on where to access help and support. 

This important meeting will be held at the Wycheproof Shire Hall Supper Room on Tuesday 21 February starting at 7pm. The meeting is for all members of the community, sports groups and secondary school students.

Speakers include LSC Andrew Downes, Victoria Police Community Liaison Officer, Swan Hill, a popular speaker and educator.

​BreakThrough isn’t just about ice. It is a forum to discuss practical strategies to help you talk to friends and family members about drug use, set boundaries, develop safety plans and work on self-care. Presenters explain how to manage challenging behaviours and keeping friends and family members safe and functioning during difficult times..

For information and support see the website www.breakthroughforfamilies.com

 There is no cost to attend this important seminar but to assist with catering please book online here

Wyche on Track September 2016 - NEWS Snippets and What's On

Solos & Supper

Wycheproof P-12 College

Music Room

Thursday 15 September at 6.30pm

All welcome

Volunteers from  Wycheproof and District  are needed to mentor young drivers. Training and ongoing support is provided plus the use of a late model vehicle for driving sessions. This program provides a great opportunity to share your experience as a good driver with young people. Please contact Matt Bennett on 0467 787 328 for further information.

L2P is a state-wide initiative funded by TAC,  managed by VicRoads and jointly coordinated by Buloke and Loddon Shire Councils.

 



The next Locals who Lunch will be held on Friday 16 September at 12.30pm at Terminus Hotel.   Please RSVP names and numbers to Amanda phone M: 0407 844 904. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend or if you have visitors bring them along.

 

 

 

Chamber Chatter with Tracy

Coming in September … Chamber Bingo week!. This is ‘shop local’ initiative by the Chamber of Commerce.

 To enter, make a cash or card purchase at a participating local business (minimum spend $5) during the week starting Monday 5 September; get your Bingo Card  stamped and dated. Complete a single line in any direction to enter the $10 draw, or complete the whole card and enter the $50  draw. Cards to be left in the entry box at WCRC before the 5pm draw on Friday 9 September.

Ask for your Bingo Card at participating shops.  

 

 

 

Kids & Worry: a workshop for parents, grandparents & carers

Monday 5 September 2016 at 10.15am at the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre, 280 Broadway Wycheproof . During this workshop we will explore the reasons why children worry and ways parents and carers can support them. It will include ideas, as well as practical tools, to assist children to manage their worries. To book  phone WCRC on 5493 7455. 

 

Community courses

 Term 3 at Wycheproof Community Resource Centre continues with great classes and activities for September .

¨ To keep fit there is a choice between Body Bar, Yoga, Step Box and Boxercise.

¨ To keep up with the latest see the beginner courses on how to use Facebook and Instagram. 

¨ To enhance your work skills learn the art of coffee Thursday 8 September 5-10pm and safe food handling Friday 9 September.

¨ Looking for a career change a Cert 3 in Individual Support (Ageing) 12-month course will be offered through Murray ACE at WCRC in October.

For information call into the WCRC, see info on Facebook or phone 54937455.

Wyche On Track September 2016 News with Jacinta

Ahh...September! The magpies are swooping, the days are longer, the sunshine warmer, the crops are growing, the annual golf tournament is nigh, and the winter sports are in finals mode. There’s a lot to look forward to during Spring in Wycheproof.

For many of us it is annual general meeting (AGM) season, and clubs and organisations are looking for committee members. Wycheproof VISION is one of them, with the AGM scheduled for 6.30pm Tuesday 27 September at the Wycheproof Railway Station. All positions are vacant and nominations must be received by 19 September. Another organisation holding an AGM this month is the Wycheproof Lawn Tennis Club, Monday 12 August at 7pm at the Royal Mail Hotel. A committee position in a volunteer organisation is something to be seriously considered by young volunteers; it looks great on a resume and you can learn valuable skills that can be used in the workplace.

Volunteering is vital for our community. Volunteering is a great way for new residents to learn more about our town and meet new friends. Several groups are urgently seeking volunteers including: Wycheproof Op Shop, Wycheproof Cancer Support Group, Friends of EWHS– Wycheproof, and Wycheproof Community Museum. If you can help call in to WCRC.

Speaking of volunteers, one of our most prominent volunteers who has served the community over many years is Cr Stuart McLean. He and Nuccia, who served as president of Wyche 2010 for two years 2007-2009, will be guests of honour at a community farewell on Friday 9 September from 6.30pm at the Royal Mail Hotel. All are welcome.

Take some time this month to prepare for the 125th annual Wycheproof A&P Society Show on Wednesday 19 October. Schedules are out and there are many great events to enter. Wycheproof VISION is again hosting the Scarecrow Competition and we hope to see many creative and colourful entries from individuals, families and community organisations.

Congratulations to all the football, netball and hockey teams on a competitive 2016 season. All the best for Wycheproof teams in finals over coming weeks. 

What's on in Wycheproof in August

Community courses

The Term 3 Wycheproof Community Resource Centre flyer is brimming with information on courses and activities in Wycheproof  in August.

•  To keep fit there is a choice between Body Bar, Yoga, Step Box and Boxercise.
•  To keep up with the latest see the beginner courses on how to use Facebook and Instagram. 
•  To enhance your workplace skills there is First Aid certificate and CPR training from MADEC
•  Looking for a career change a Cert 3 in Individual Support (Ageing) 12 month course offered through Murray ACE at WCRC.
•  Also on offer are work skill workshops on areas from office computer software programs, to barista training  and food handlers course.

For information call into the WCRC, see info on Facebook or phone 54937455.

Quiz night                                           Girls' Night

Wycheproof Uniting Church Friday 12 August Wycheproof Uniting Church will hold a stall and competition. All proceeds to the Wycheproof Kindergarten .

The next Locals who Lunch will be held on Friday 19 August at 12.30pm at Mt Wycheproof Café.   

Please RSVP names and numbers to Amanda on M: 0407 844 904 . Everyone is welcome. If you have visitors bring them along; the more the merrier.

On Track August 2016 Local News

Thank you to all residents who took the time to comment on the consultant’s plans for Broadway, under the Buloke Council’s Streetscape consultation. The response was tremendous and emphasised what a valuable asset for our town Broadway is. The feedback showed that a pedestrian crossing was a top priority.

Most will have noticed that VicRoads has installed 50km speed limit signs on Broadway. These seem to have gone up overnight and while reducing the speed limit is something that has been on the Wycheproof VISION long-term agenda, the short stretch that is covered by the reduced speed limit was a surprise. If anyone has a comment on this please drop a note into the resource centre, email info@wycheproof.vic.au, talk to a Wycheproof VISION committee member or come along to the August meeting.

Recently, the Friends of Railway Place hosted a ‘brain storming’ meeting to gather ideas for the future use of the historic Goods Shed on the north side of the railway station. VicTrack is seeking an application from the community on the use of this building which has been restored and will be further upgraded for use. The group agreed to explore a social enterprise project with Granite Community Church to develop a horticultural micro-enterprise that would provide employment and education opportunities in our local area.

Buloke Council has circulated a plan for a long awaited upgrade of the toilet block at Centenary Park. At this stage only drawings are available and WV will update the community when information comes to hand.

Loddon Mallee Waste and Resource Recovery Group has released a draft plan that sets out how waste and recycling needs in this region will be met over at least the next 10 years. More information and survey are at www.lmwrrg.vic.gov.au Meeting are also listed for Buloke Shire on Wednesday 27 July. 

Winter in Wycheproof is a busy time please see the calendar for dates and the What’s on page of this newsletter to support local organisations. Several groups are seeking volunteers including: Wycheproof Cancer Support Group, Friends of EWHS–Wycheproof, and Wycheproof VISION. If you can help call in to WCRC.

The WV July meeting didn’t go ahead and so it is planned to hold the governance workshop at the August meeting, 6pm at the Railway Station on Tuesday 16 August. This is a chance for the forum to update policies and the strategic plan in preparation for the 2016 AGM.

Wyche on Track July 2016 news

Your opinion on the Buloke Council’s Streetscape consultation for the upgrade of Broadway is wanted. This past month, drawings and information have been on display at the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre and there is a survey sheet for  residents to list priorities or make suggestions. The deadline for the survey has been extended until Friday 8 July, and so all residents are urged to fill in a survey.

Thank you to our ever generous community for taking part in the June firewood competition. The firewood was generously donated by Mick Giddings and the winner was David Pierce.  Thank you too to the Lions Club of Wycheproof for the generous donation to Wycheproof VISION for current projects including this newsletter.

June was an historic month with the closure of the ANZ Wycheproof Branch. Thank you to Nickaela Murphy for her assistance to community members and her professional attitude and care in making all endeavours to answer customer questions and as the brunt of customer frustration during such a trying time The ANZ has promised to support account holders through a visiting advice service fortnightly as a trial for 3 months; so far this has not been organised but ANZ Bank has  reiterated the commitment and will advise the community when this service will start.

Wycheproof VISION will hold a governance workshop at its 19 July meeting from 6pm at the Railway Station. This is a chance for the forum to update policies and the strategic plan. All members are requested to attend this important meeting. At the June meeting a Code of conduct for Wycheproof VISION committee and volunteers working with Children and Young People was adopted

Commemorating WWl soldiers 

Wycheproof  Cemetery Trust held a special service and unveiled an honour board to commemorate  soldiers who served in WWI buried at the Wycheproof cemetery. 

Denise Hooper, Laurie Pollington and Judy Noonan commemorated their father Capt George Pollington

The eagle is landed

On 30 April we heard of the inspirational good news story of the rescue of  Wychie, an injured  wedge-tailed eagle. The majestic bird, a two-year-old male, was rescued by the Jones family in the Bunguluke area. It was  injured when its leg was caught in an old rabbit trap. Wychie made headlines in newspapers and TV news and the Bendigo Advertiser followed the story with   Wildlife Rescue Emergency Service president Neil Morgan and vet Dr Kellie Anset of Passionate Vetcare, who worked to bring Wychie  back to full health.

Wychie was released back into the timbered area along the Avoca River at Glenloth East on Saturday 21 May.

The use or sale of serrated, steel-jawed leg-hold traps is illegal and can incur fines of more than $29,000 plus two years’ imprisonment for individuals, and fines of more than $146,500 for corporations. The only leg-hold traps that can be used to capture rabbits, foxes and wild dogs  are those with smooth jaws and must be padded.

Wychie has been sponsored in his recovery by J&A Logistics who paid for the cost of veterinary treatment, medication and food.  If you find injured wildlife, call WRES on 0427 301 401.

Wychie the eagle back home   Photo courtesy Noni Hyett

Controlling Fruit Fly and how to make a Fruit Fly trap

Bactrocera tryoni or Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) may attack a range of fruits and fruiting vegetables, leaving them inedible If sufficiently warm weather persists into autumn or winter, fruit flies can continue through their life cycle providing that a suitable host fruit or fruiting vegetable is available.

Below are photos of fruit fly and lavae. 

The following information is from the Commonwealth Government's Advice for Home Gardeners in Australia website www.preventfruitfly.com.au . To report to DEPI Victoria call the Queensland fruit fly hotline (Mildura) 50 514 618 or email plant.standards@dpi.vic.gov.au  

The tiny thrip-like flies that can be often seen on overripe fruit are Vinegar Flies and usually don’t do extensive harm.

To eradicate and manage fruit fly the following is recommended:

Exclusion, the use of physical barriers to stop female QFF from reaching your fruit. Barriers include:

Nets: mosquito nets, over PVC tubes or stakes, over and around the trees or vegetables. An outdoor gazebo could be used as the zipper allows easy access to regularly inspect trees and harvest fruit as it ripens. Whatever you use, all nets must be either secured around the trunk base or to the ground.

Bags and sleeves: Place bags and sleeves over the fruit you want to keep. Remove any flowers or developing fruit from the plant that are not covered by a barrier. Secure bags and sleeves to the plant with tie wire, clothes pegs or string. Nets, bags and sleeves are generally available from your local chemical or home garden retailer.

Garden hygiene: Pick and use any fruit as it ripens, don't leave it on the plant for fruit flies to attack. Collect and destroy any rotting or unwanted host fruit, whether it is on the ground or still on the plant.

Unwanted fruit can be microwaved to kill any maggots inside prior to being disposed of. Alternatively, place the fruit in a plastic bag, seal the bag and leave it in the sun for 5­7 days, or place it in a freezer for two days. The bagged fruit can then be discarded in your rubbish bin. Do not add unwanted fruit to your compost or worm farm, or put it directly into your rubbish.

Traps and attractants are designed to lure and kill fruit flies. They can be bought from hardware, nursery and on-line suppliers. Place traps on host trees and other sites around the garden to draw fruit flies away from your fruit and vegetables.

Make your own traps

Using an empty soft­drink bottle (with lid). Please note that these traps may attract all insects ­ both pests and beneficials. Cut three holes in the bottle about the size of a 10 cent piece, 10 centimetres from the top. Add the bait mixture: one cup of 100 per cent fruit juice (including pulp) and one tablespoon of cloudy ammonia (or wheelie bin cleaner) available from supermarkets and hardware stores. Tie a string around the neck of the bottle and hang it from the tree in the shade 1­1.5 metres from ground. The mixture can last up to three weeks but should be changed weekly for best effect.

Fruit fly help for seniors. If you need help cleaning up around your garden put your name into the WCRC before the end of March. Volunteers are available.

Thong throwing training and other preparations for Australia Day 2016

Fun for all at Australia Day celebrations in Wycheproof

The tradition continues with an early start to Australia Day celebrations for the whole community at Centenary Park, Wycheproof and will culminate in an afternoon of family fun and frolics at the Wycheproof Swimming Pool.

The traditional Australia Day breakfast will be served by members of the Lions Club of Wycheproof from 8am.  Local young musicians and singers will entertain. From 9.30am there is an official program that includes local citizen awards and will feature guest speaker Mr Tony Cavanagh―2016 Australia Day Ambassador, thoroughbred racing identity and North Melbourne Football Club supporter.

Mr Cavanagh also has interests in art and music and will share his enthusiasm and views on how he likes to help promote and contribute to everything that is Australian and dear to his heart.

Afternoon fun at Wycheproof Swimming Pool 

From 2pm, the Wycheproof Pool Committee, with Wycheproof Youth Group, will host a free Family Fun Day that includes a free sausage sizzle. This event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Keilor. 

There will be classic games and some new ones with a Thong Throwing contest, totem tennis, swimming races and other water competitions: something for all age groups. For information contact the Wycheproof Pool Committee on M: 0404 285 802

Caption: Australia Day Ambassador, Tony Cavanagh will speak in Wycheproof during his visit to Buloke Shire this Australia Day (photo courtesy Herald Sun) 

Christmas spirit shines

Well you may not have seen them from space; but the Christmas lights, at Wycheproof, certainly put the town on the map this festive season. Broadway, Wycheproof was also the talk of the district with the iconic peppercorn trees adopted and decorated by individuals and groups.

Wycheproof VISION president Jacinta Miller said she was delighted that so many residents had lit up their houses, making the town glow and so many businesses had joined in adopting a peppercorn tree to decorate, showing a great Christmas spirit.

Awards in all categories were presented during Christmas eve celebrations at Centenary Park to:  

• Winner 2015 overall all categories, Steve & Di Lang
• Best Use of a Single Strand Julie Morrison
• Best use of recycled material, Wayne & Renaye Gretgrix, Wycheproof Tyres  & Batteries
• Best decorated street, Webster Street
• Pollard family, Calder Highway, Best decorated rural
• Kim Shaw & family, Novice (first-time entry)
• Sam Harrison, Best decorated letter box (town) sponsored by Wycheproof Post Office
• Lois Goddard Winner Best letter box (rural) sponsored by Wycheproof Post Office.

Thirty-three peppercorn trees were adopted by residents and community groups creating a fabulous avenue of Christmas spirit along Broadway. Wycheproof VISION commends and thanks all who participated. The overall winner was Mary Dillon and family. Participants included:

• Wycheproof Swimming Pool Committee
• Jo Cleveland
• Julie and Graeme Perkins, Wycheproof Motel
• Terry Mathieson, Royal Mail Hotel
• Stephanie Hommelhoff and the Art and Craft information shop
• Sue-Anne Beattie, Wycheproof Newsagency
• Tracy Pardella, Mt Wycheproof Café
• Marlbro House
• ANZ Bank
• Chalmers Butchers
• Terminus Hotel
• Rayes Family
• Keltia Lindsay and family
• Wycheproof Hopital
• Maggie & Roy Daiken
• Bernice Harding and family
• Elders Wycheproof
• Penelope Grant
• Ison Family
• Crockett Family
• PAG Group and Glenda Bish
• Wycheproof P-12 students
• WCRC
• Wycheproof Op Shop
• Wycheproof Mens Shed
• Claire Phyland
• Bakery on Broadway
• Steve and Di Lang
• Buloke Shire staff
• Carol Jones and Andrea Coatsworth
• Clare Bloomfield

Grand opening of renovated historic Wycheproof Railway Station

On Friday 25 September, to the acclaim of the residents who crowded onto the station platform, the station building was handed over to the community in the culmination of the Victorian Government’s Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Program delivered by VicTrack.

     Community members and Buloke Council Mayor Cr Reid Mather, Cr Stuart McLean, Cr David Pollard Cr Ellen White and Cr Leo Tellefson, Ms Jean Parson Community Building Program Manager, Property Group and Mr Denis Cronin Project Manager VicTrack, architect Mr Fraser Brown of Quadratum and Mr Kerryn Davidson of Onleys Holdings Pty Ltd.  Cr Mather spoke of the mystique of rail and the new proposals to improve rail transport in the Buloke Shire which could mean more trains on the railway line through Broadway. He commended the community for embracing such an important and iconic project for the town.

     Mr Len Storey, representing Wycheproof VISION and Wycheproof Historical Society, said it was only when buildings such as this were loved that projects such as the railway station renovation could be funded and the community had certainly showed its love for the railway station. (Pictured members of the Wycheproof Historical Society with architect Fraser Brown) 

     Ms Parson, said the Wycheproof community had shown its passion and what the building had meant to the fabric of the town. She presented individuals with a commemorative book ‘Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Wycheproof Station 2015’. Her colleague, Jason Murray, Corporate Communications VicTrack, said the current project was completed under the Victorian Government’s Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Program and included further renovation and the inclusion of a kitchen area and all abilities toilet. He noted that the station would now be a community hub, with Wycheproof VISION as the lead leaseholder organisation with Wycheproof Community Resource Centre and Wycheproof Youth Group. 

     Wycheproof Station dates from 1887 and the station precinct is registered on the Victorian Heritage Register as the most intact example of the modest standard timber station buildings known as the ‘Pyramid Hill style’. The next project at the precinct is the restoration of the goods shed. That project has received an injection of $150,000 for completion by VicTrack.

The Wycheproof Station buildings are now overseen by Wycheproof VISION and are available for community use and hire. For information email info@wycheproof.vic.au or phone the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre on 54937455

WOT #105 August 2015: Waterless fountain update

It was around 10 years ago that local residents and community groups around Wycheproof delved into the archives and the back of cupboards and drawers to find treasures and mementos that were to be preserved in the Wycheproof Waterless Fountain. The unveiling of the 'fountain' in 2006 was marked by an article in the Bendigo Advertiser (here).

Created by Bendigo artist Carlo Rolfe, the 'fountain' started out fulfilling the community's brief ...to preserve our proud history and to mark our resilience in time of drought. The 'fountain' was proudly placed in front of the rotunda at the corner of Broadway and O'Connor St. However, the vagaries of our climate, particularly over 40 degree summer days, quickly took their toll on the 'fountain' made of resin and it soon discoloured and cracked in the full force of the summer sun.

Over many years there have been attempts to repair the sculpture and find it a new home. Unfortunately repairs have failed and the discolouration can't be reversed. The fountain is currently at the Wycheproof Mens Shed where the volunteers are trialing ways to retrieve the objects and memorabilia intact to return to community groups and individuals. However, it is likely that not all items will be able to be retrieved.

Anyone who donated an item to the Waterless Fountain sculpture project and who wants that item returned is invited to inspect the 'fountain' at the Mens Shed to see if that is feasible, please contact the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre on 54937455 to arrange a time.      

WOT #105 August 2015: Youth report

Wycheproof Youth Report

For the past month, the Youth Group has been busy renovating our youth room. From cleaning, to painting and making plans for the space we have created. 

We met on two separate occasions to prepare our room with sweeping, dusting and scrubbing and preparing walls  it for the base coat of paint. Then the next working bee we finally got to paint after a quick wash to take the remainder of dust and dirt off. The base coat we achieved by the end of the afternoon and we are excited to start planning for pops of colour. 

Our vision for the room, once completed, is for it to become a fun environment fit for many different events from Disco’s, movie nights and bonfires.                                                      by  Mackenzie and Hannah

                             ... here we are hard at working preparing for painting of the Youth Room

WOT #105 August 2015: Chamber Chatter with Tracy

Chamber Chatter with Tracy

Well I think all would agree it was a very successful market day once again in July.

And to all who held or went to the garage sale weekend a big thank you for making that a great day, also to the many businesses that opened on the day ,and lets not forget the Resource Centre for their great work.

A REMINDER for ALL businesses; if in need of special flyers, or other printing for your business, please use the resource centre, as we are very lucky to have the service. 

Some businesses are still working on their shop front makeovers and looking good. 

Hope to see you out and about shopping in the local businesses. 

Mt Wyche Cafe

We’re adding a bit of fun to the workplace and end of the working week by introducing...

 Fancy Dress Fridays.

Come in and see the staff,  have a laugh and put your vote in for best dressed.

A special a makeover.

Wycheproof VISION would like to congratulate Tony, the owner of the building that is home to the Art/Craft Shop, for his efforts in renovating the inside of the shop. The creation of an ‘office’ area and the other work completed makes it a comfortable and inviting environment for both workers and customers alike. 

With the winter chill continuing, call into the Art & Craft shop for warm knitted children's clothing, beanies and scarves.  

Volunteers WANTED: Call in to the Art & Craft Shop or Wycheproof Community Resource Centre for more information.

Thinking of Christmas!!!

Christmas Decorating on Broadway

Well Wycheproof, Christmas is not far away and suggestions are welcome for this year's Christmas Tree Competition for Broadway. The competition was well supported by local businesses and groups who adopted a tree to decorate. 

Wycheproof VISION is keen to host another ‘Decorate a Peppercorn

Competition’, but need to decide whether it should have a theme or just open, like last year?

We would like to aim to have all trees decorated by the

1 December 2015 to maximise the publicity for our community.

So, put on your thinking hats. All suggestions are welcome.